US to raise concerns with China over new map in passport

The US is set to raise concerns with China over a new map in its passports that lays claim to disputed areas in the South China Sea, according to a report.

''We do have concerns about this map, which is causing tension and anxiety between and among the states in the South China Sea,'' state department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said during a news briefing.

''We do intend to raise this with the Chinese in terms of it not being helpful to the environment,'' she said, adding, ''We all seek to resolve these issues.''

The Herald Sun said the latest move by China had irked some of its Southeast Asian neighbours, including India.

Its new passports show Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin as part of Chinese territory.

Vietnam and the Philippines have also strongly opposed the disputed South China Sea islands on China's maps.