Hello xingdavis,

I’m sending this message that you have to read before continuing mapping because it’s important that you read it.

OpenStreetMap is one set of data for the whole world with one set of boundaries. There are lots of places where there are boundary disputes, and OSM maps can’t display one set of boundaries that match everyone’s expectations. The way that we handle disputed terrritories is set out here. That says ‘The OpenStreetMap community operates under the “on the ground” principle, recording what is actually currently used in a particular area, giving pre­eminence to data collected in­situ.’.

Currently the area referred to by India as “Arunachal Pradesh” and by China as part of “South Tibet” is controlled by India, so that’s why the Indian and Chinese borders are as they are in OSM.

However, this doesnt mean that you can’t create your own maps based on different borders if you wish. One approach is set out in this diary post - that talks about making the India/Pakistan border to the west represent India’s claim rather than the line of control, but you could do something similar on a map designed for a Chinese audience.

Finally, we have to mention that OpenStreetMap is a global community project - we all have to work together to create the best map. That means that we have to be polite to each other and comments like “It is just a traitor lackeys.Don’t let me see him, he’ll regret it.” on this changeset are clearly not polite. If you continue with comments like this you’ll be prevented from updating OpenStreetMap.

Best Regards,

Andy Townsend, on behalf of OSM’s Data Working Group.