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Customs authorities in China in the coastal province of Shandong have intercepted 60,000 maps that "improperly identified" the self-governed island of Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory.

The maps, authorities said, also "left out important islands" in the disputed South China Sea waters, where Beijing's claims overlap with those of its regional neighbors, including the Philippines and Vietnamese authorities.

The "violating" maps, destined for overseas markets, cannot be sold because they "compromise national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity" of China, officials confirmed.

Cartographic materials are a delicate subject for China and its regional competitors for reefs, islands and rock formations in the South China Sea.

Specific Violations

China Customs explained that the maps also failed to include the nine-dash line, which demarcates China's territorial assertion over the vast majority of the South China Sea.

The demarcation includes nine segments which extends hundreds of miles south and east from its southernmost province of Hainan.

The seized maps also omitted the sea border between China and the Japanese archipelago, authorities said.

Cross-Strait Situation

Authorities said the maps improperly identified "Taiwan province", without detailing what exactly the improper identification was.

China views self-ruled Taiwan as its sovereign land and has kept open the possibility of the use of force to unify with the island. But Taiwan views itself as separate from the Chinese mainland, with its own governing document and elected leadership.

Geopolitical Disputes

Tensions in the South China Sea flare up occasionally - in recent days over the weekend, when maritime craft from Chinese authorities and the Philippine government figured in another incident.

Manila accused a Chinese vessel of intentionally colliding with and using water cannons at a official Philippine ship.

But Beijing claimed the confrontation happened after the Philippine ship ignored repeated warnings and "came too close to" the Chinese ship.

Historical Precedents

The Philippines and Vietnamese authorities are also particularly sensitive to depictions of the South China Sea in cartographic materials.

The Barbie movie from last year was prohibited in the Vietnamese market and censored in the Philippine release for depicting a maritime chart with the controversial demarcation.

The announcement from customs authorities did not specify where the confiscated materials were intended to be sold. China supplies much of the global merchandise, from holiday decorations to stationery.

The seizure of "problematic maps" by Chinese customs officers is frequently occurring - though the quantity of the maps confiscated in Shandong significantly exceeds previous confiscations. Goods that fail inspection at the customs are eliminated.

In spring, border authorities at an air transportation hub in Qingdao intercepted a shipment of one hundred forty-three marine maps that contained "apparent inaccuracies" in the national borders.

In late summer, border authorities in Hebei province intercepted a pair of "problematic maps" that, besides other problems, featured a "improper representation" of the Tibet's boundaries.