Claim: An image claims that China has removed the name “Israel” from its maps.
Fact: The official map of China shows Israel by its name. Moreover, commercial Chinese maps like Baidu and Amap do not display names of certain territories, including and not only Israel, at particular zoom levels but the territory remains visible when searching for the words “Israel”. The development is not new and likely predates Israel’s war in Gaza.
On 4 May 2026, Facebook user Asim Ahmed shared an image captioned:
“Breaking News
China has reportedly removed the name “Israel” from certain digital and printed maps, triggering international attention and diplomatic concern. The move has not been officially explained by Beijing, but analysts link it to rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Critics argue the step could escalate regional sensitivities, while supporters view it as a political signal. Israeli officials have not issued a formal response yet, but global observers are closely monitoring developments. The incident highlights how cartography can reflect political positions, not just geography. As reactions grow worldwide, this decision may further strain relations and deepen existing divides in international diplomacy”
This caption was attached with the following image:
Screenshot from Facebook post
China restricts access to Google
In Mainland China, all Google services and maps are blocked due to the government’s stringent censorship laws. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is required to access the maps that may likely be outdated and slow. Hence, maps like Baidu Maps and Amap, owned by AliBaba Group, include the most accurate version of the Chinese map. Especially after 2010, Google refused to comply with China’s severe censorship laws, and this service was redirected to Hong Kong.
Fact or Fiction?
Soch Fact Check, cross checked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China website, which led us to the following map seen below where Israel is pinned, while giving the right coordinates for further verified information. We found the map released by the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Chinese officials have repeatedly denied erasing Israel from the map specifically amidst the Hamas-Gaza conflict. Wang Wenbin, a ministry spokesperson, gave a statement about the normal diplomatic relations between the countries.
Map available on Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China
Soch Fact Check at first verified the commercial maps Baidu and Amap to see if Israel had ever been removed. Neither map displays the label “Israel” on their platforms, although the country’s borders and cities remain visible. However, there are no reports to confirm this is a recent change, or that the label was removed after the 2023 Gaza conflict. No official confirmation has been given to the press by the government, as of 2026.
Furthermore, Soch Fact Check found a news report from 2023 about these commercial maps and the issues they face in terms of why countries explicitly might not be mentioned at a certain zoom level. Both Chinese applications, seen below, show Israel’s borders and name Israeli cities, but do not name the country. However, the location data is very much up to date and available.
Soch Fact Check investigated Amap’s version for the word “Israel”, or in Traditional Chinese “以色列”. A search for the word ‘Israel’ brought up Israeli cities like Reim, Dimona, and Lift are visible on the map. The word Israel has not been removed from these applications search features.
Screenshot of Chinese and English map from AMAP
Soch Fact Check then investigated Baidu Maps. In 2023 Baidu made a statement on this issue saying that “Where space is limited, our maps may not display the names or flags of some territories.” Baidu presents similar results as Amap where cities in Israel are shown, and the geographic information stays present. Therefore, the investigation debunks the claim to be misleading, as we do not have enough information to state Israel has been removed from these maps.
Screenshot of Baidu Maps
Virality
Soch Fact Check found this news on various social media platforms, including Facebook, X and Instagram.
The most engagement of this post was seen on Instagram, however it is to note that many different variables of this claim have been circulated just with different pictures. Hence, some posts get 12 views on Instagram, whereas the same claim on X is engaging 500 plus views.
This news became quite popular due to Israel’s ongoing occupation of Gaza. China has been one of the superpowers that have spoken up against Israel condemning the military action in the Middle East, especially the West Bank. The news grew more popular, amongst users that were pro Gaza that made it grow more attraction.
Conclusion: Soch Fact Check concludes this claim as misleading, as official Chinese maps show the name Israel.
To appeal against our fact-check, please send an email to appeals@sochfactcheck.com