(NewsComAu) Beijing has demanded the world respond to a new map showing its claims over vast swathes of neighbouring territory in an “objective” and “responsible” way.

It’s just released a revised 2023 edition of its “Standard National Map”.

It’s gone down like a lead balloon over Central and Southeast Asia.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin appeared surprised at the international response, telling a press briefing that “China hopes relevant parties” consider the map in an “objective and rational way” and not “over-interpret” its meaning.

Objectively, the map shows Beijing believes it owns parts of China, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Russia.

Rationally, that means these neighbouring countries are in for tough diplomatic, economic – and potentially military – times ahead.