Chinese Tech Giants Redraw Maps: Israel's Absence Sparks Controversy

In a recent revelation, Chinese tech giants Baidu and Alibaba have chosen not to display the name of Israel on their digital maps, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal. This decision, they claim, reflects Beijing's enigmatic approach to diplomacy in the region.

While their online maps continue to outline Israel's borders and cities, the country's name is conspicuously absent. This sets it apart from neighboring nations, where names are prominently featured.

This development has not gone unnoticed, with social media users sharing maps that corroborate the Wall Street Journal's assertion. Jonathan Cheng, the China bureau chief for the WSJ, tweeted about the perplexity expressed by Chinese internet users, highlighting the parallel between this map ambiguity and Beijing's elusive diplomatic stance, which contrasts with its usual map-related attentiveness.

Meanwhile, reports suggest a surge in online antisemitism in China, as noted by The New York Times. Recent discussions on Weibo, a Chinese state broadcaster platform, have stirred controversy by insinuating that Jews wield an undue influence over U.S. wealth. Carice Witte, the executive director of SIGNAL Group, an Israeli think tank specializing in China, remarks that if China deemed such content dangerous, the authorities would intervene. However, the government's tolerance for such discussions sends a different message.

Notably, Russia and China exercised their veto power at the United Nations Security Council, blocking a U.S.-proposed resolution regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. The resolution aimed to secure humanitarian aid access, safeguard civilians, and halt the arming of Hamas and other Gaza Strip militants. China's objection stemmed from its preference for calling for an immediate ceasefire, a move the United States declined to support. Ambassador Zhang Jun, China's representative at the UN, emphasized the urgency of a ceasefire and its life-and-death implications for civilians in the region.

On a dire note, the commissioner-general of the UN agency UNRWA lamented the absence of safe havens in Gaza, citing deteriorating basic services and shortages of medicine, food, water, and fuel. Sewage overflow has also raised health concerns.

U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield called on the Security Council to unite in addressing the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. She stressed the protection of innocent civilians, demanded the release of hostages, urged aid delivery, and reaffirmed Israel's right to self-defense. The distinction between a "humanitarian pause" and a "ceasefire" remains unclear, as the U.S. pursues the former.

Expressing growing concern over the Palestinian death toll, Thomas-Greenfield conveyed President Joe Biden's message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing the need for Israel to defend its citizens in alignment with international humanitarian law. She acknowledged the challenges posed by Hamas's presence in civilian areas but maintained that Israel must still distinguish between terrorists and innocent civilians.

After the rejection of four resolutions in the Security Council due to vetoes and insufficient votes, Arab nations turned to the UN General Assembly, where vetoes do not apply. The General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for humanitarian truces and a cessation of hostilities with a significant majority.

Now, the 10 elected members of the Security Council are engaged in negotiations, aiming to craft a resolution that can avoid rejection. While Security Council resolutions carry legal weight, General Assembly resolutions serve as a crucial indicator of global sentiment.

Israel's UN Ambassador, Gilad Erdan, expressed frustration over the Council's failure to condemn Hamas's attacks, questioning the focus on Gaza's humanitarian needs to the exclusion of other issues.