China has released its first official vertical national map to include in its claims in the South China Sea, in a move seen to strengthen its contention over the disputed waters.

The move has angered the Philippine government, saying the new map, which went on sale in China on Monday, will continue to spark tension within the region.

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Previous official Chinese maps had a horizontal orientation, focusing on the country's large expanse of land, while its island territories and sea areas in the South China Sea are featured in smaller insets, according to Xinhua.

The new map appears to give equal billing of the land and sea territories of China. The South China Sea is as prominent as the mainland, with the nine-dash demarcation line marking the end of their territory. All islands inside the line are being claimed by China.

The Chinese government's survey and mapping administration approved the new map, which was published by Hunan Map Press.

Lei Yixun, editor in chief of Hunan Map Press, said the new version of the map corrects the misconception that the land area of China has more prominence than its territories in the South China Sea.

Reacting to the new Chinese map, Philippine presidential spokesman Herminio Coloma told reporters in Manila that the new map might be taken as another way to heighten the instability in the already-contentious waters in the South China Sea.

"We reiterate our focus on diplomatic, political and legal options that will bring about the peaceful resolution of disputes on conflicting claims to maritime entitlements in the West Philippine Sea," he said in a statement.

At least 90 percent of the sea areas in the South China Sea are being claimed by China, while the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam and Taiwan claim parts of the waters.

The South China Sea is believed to have major oil and gas reserves, aside from its rich fishing ecosystem.

In 2012, the Chinese government issued a new passport where a map inscribed in the travel document showing the entire South China Sea being an integral part of Chinese territory. The move drew condemnation among China's neighbors, especially from Vietnam and the Philippines.

Tagschina philippines dispute, china vs philippines, west philippine sea