China mulls harsher punishments for illegal mapping

BEIJING - Failure to demonstrate China's complete territory when drawing up related maps may result in tougher punishment, according to a draft of regulations released on Tuesday.

The draft, which is expected to replace the current regulations becoming effective in 1995, was published by the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council, asking for public opinion.

The current regulations put a 300 to 10,000-yuan fine for failing to include the complete territory of the People's Republic of China in making maps, while the draft law raises the fine up to 100,000 yuan ($15,850).

It also proposes improved supervision on Internet map services, which requires providers to place data servers within China's territory and use only approved maps.

Illegal online map services sometimes leak confidential geographic information and make mistakes in drawing the country's borders, according to previous reports from China's National Administration of Surveying, Mapping and Geoinformation.

The public have until October 26 to comment on the draft.