Every map of China is wrong (medium.com)

Article summary

The article discusses how maps of China are intentionally made inaccurate due to the country's laws and regulations. Companies that provide maps of China must comply with these laws, which can lead to obfuscation and incorrect data. The discussion reveals that this is not just a matter of national security, but also a form of market protectionism. The inaccuracy of maps in China has been a long-standing issue, with some commenters drawing parallels to the Soviet Union's similar practices.

Main themes

• Map inaccuracy in China
• National security and protectionism
• Government regulations and laws
• Historical parallels with the Soviet Union
• Freedom and censorship

What commenters say

• China's laws prohibit companies from creating accurate maps of the country, leading to intentional obfuscation and incorrect data.
• The inaccuracy of maps in China is a form of market protectionism, rather than a genuine national security concern.
• The practice of creating inaccurate maps is not unique to China and has historical parallels with the Soviet Union's similar practices.
• Some argue that the laws and regulations in China are overly restrictive and stifle freedom, while others see them as necessary for national security and stability.
• The use of technology, such as satellite data and AI algorithms, can potentially circumvent China's mapping restrictions, but companies may still be deterred by the legal consequences.
• The issue of map inaccuracy in China is also related to the country's broader practices of censorship and control, with some commenters drawing parallels to the treatment of protesters and dissidents.
• Others argue that the criticism of China's mapping practices is hypocritical, given the existence of similar restrictions and censorship in other countries, including Western democracies.
• The discussion highlights the complexities and nuances of the issue, with different perspectives on the motivations behind China's mapping regulations and the implications for freedom and national security.