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SCMP Open Questions | What an ancient Chinese map reveals about global history and modern power: Sheng-Wei Wang

8 May 2026 We have presented many of Dr Sheng-Wei Wang’s academic presentations and showcased her published works. While these are important to furthering scholarship, Dr Wang also understands that knowledge is something to be… 

An Ancient World Map Depicts Japan in 897 A.D., Long Before the Europeans’ First Arrival

Dr Wang has found more exciting new information that demonstrates Kunyu Wanguo Quantu《坤輿萬國全圖/ 坤舆万国全图》or Complete Geographical Map of All the Kingdoms of the World published by Matteo Ricci in 1602 in China ‒ depicts Japan in 897 A.D. via Chinese sources.