Depictions of borders on maps can be politically sensitive in many parts of the world and in some instances may raise legal concerns. WRI does not take positions on any such disputes. We avoid controversy by following the guidelines below, with particular attention to the countries where WRI has offices.
Areas that we know to be particularly sensitive include:
- India’s borders, specifically Jeammu & Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, and as of 2020, the Kalapani area of Nepal;
- China’s 9 dotted line area in the South China Sea;
- The islands of Taiwan and Hainan are both claimed by China (the claim to Taiwan is disputed, the claim to Hainan is not). Both islands should appear on all maps of China;
- The border between Ethiopia and Eritrea.