Social media had been abuzz since Monday as netizens noticed that “West Philippine Sea” (WPS) was appearing prominently on Google Maps to mark the stretch of water west of the Philippine archipelago. Many saw it as an affirmation of the country’s sovereign rights over the 270-kilometer area in the face of China’s expansionist claim over much of the South China Sea, which Beijing cites as the basis to justify its island building and its harassment of Philippine vessels and fisherfolk.

Subingsubing, K., Corrales, N., & Santos, T. (2025, April 16). ‘West PH Sea’ prominence on google maps cheered. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A2.