Google Maps has updated its maps to make the label “West Philippine Sea” (WPS) more visible for the waters west of the Philippines. This has been praised in the Philippines as it reinforces their claim over this part of the South China Sea.

Before, the WPS label might have been harder to see. Now, it’s clearer even when zoomed out. Filipino leaders and the military see this as important recognition of their rights, especially after the 2016 international court ruling that favored the Philippines over China’s broader claims in the area.

Under Administrative Order No. 29, the Philippines officially named this area the West Philippine Sea in 2012, covering 200 miles Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea. While China still calls it the South China Sea and disagrees with the international court’s decision, many Filipinos view Google’s update as a positive step in raising global awareness and acknowledging their sovereignty.

In a press release by the Philippines Government, Senate Majority Leader Francis ‘TOL’ Tolentino said “Growing global recognition for WPS represents a victory for all Filipinos. It is also an affirmation of the correctness of the Philippines’ current policy to assert its sovereign rights in line with international law and multilateralism.” Tolentino is the principal author of the landmark Philippine Maritime Zones Law (Republic Act 12064).