[Brussels] – A number of Belgian newspapers today reported a story about the discovery of a number of ancient maps that could offer support for several of China’s territorial claims in South East Asian and other parts of the globe.
The maps in question were discovered in the library of Arenberg Château, a 16th century castle now belonging to the Catholic University of Leuven. The maps themselves date from the late 13th century up to the late 17th century, and include world maps, and maps of several regions of the globe, mainly European and South East Asian. Most of them were made by European and Chinese geographers at various times in history, and were collected by the Croÿ family, owners of the castle during most of the 15th to 17th century.
Importantly, the maps offer a unique view of national borders throughout history. A committe of historians, who have had a chance to review the maps briefly earlier this week, claim that several of the maps might represent important evidence supporting China’s territorial claims in South East Asia. One historian reported how several maps contain “clear indications of national borders during the early 19th century”, which “strongly support China’s claim over several small island groups currently under dispute between China and its neighbors.”
A more shocking discovery was that the maps support China’s sovereignty over a number of smaller territories in Europe, including a few small Mediteranean islands and even a small neighborhood in Brussels itself.
A local government official in Brussels, who wished to remain anonymous, commented that “the validity of the Brussels map and any Chinese claims in this region are neglectable”. According to our source, “China has never claimed the neighborhood in question and is unlikely to do so in the near future.” Nevertheless, there is a slight reason for concern, he added, “in view of China’s recent aggressive foreign policy.”
Early next week a small panel of Chinese historians and politicians are planning an official visit to Arenberg Château for examination of the maps.
The Truth About Japan 
Do you have a link(s) to this story? It sounds like a rehash of maps that China claimed to have found several years ago, but that were dismissed by western scientists.
Only a few state employed Chinese scientists insisted the previous maps were authentic.
China insisted that Zheng He drew the map of the world, showing Australia and the Americas, in 1418, but the problem arises because Zheng He made his voyage in 1421, and only crossed the Indian Ocean as far as east Africa. When they later realised their mistake, China refused to explain it, but insisted they were 100% correct.
The discoverer of the map also claimed he had a letter from Columbus stating that a Chinese ambassador had persuaded him to make his trip around the world. The same author also claimed to have proof that another Chinese ambassador inspired Leonardo Da Vinci’s inventions (Da Vinci supposedly copied from the Chinese), and that the Chinese had inspired the European Renaissance.
These fantastic claims have been disproven by scientists around the world. Only China insists they are true.
One needs to be careful when presented with such maps and evidence.
Dear China Daily Mail,
What is far more frightening to me is that you invited me to contribute to your blog, even though all of my posts here are obviously bogus, fake news stories.
You invited me, and then ignored me for quite some time, until I asked you to remove me as a contributor for your blog.
So, I will repeat my request here too: please remove me as a contributor. And, be more careful with whom you invite as contributors. Who knows what bogus is being published on your blog…
Rob
No. We screen our stories carefully, which is why we didn’t publish yours. We believe you knew we are a news site, and felt that you may have been duped by this report, because you presented it as a factual news story.
We sent you the reply above on June 26th, asking for confirmation of the story you tried to get published, but you failed to respond. However, we are quite happy to post it as humour, now that we know the circumstances.
I never noticed any reply on June 26th, but I have to assume that it must have ended up in my spam box. That must be why I never noticed anything. I am sorry for the confusion, and I apologize if I have offended you.
In any case, yes, please treat it as humour.
Rob
http://chinadailymail.com/2013/06/26/newly-discovered-ancient-maps-support-chinese-territorial-claims/
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