BEIJING (Reuters) - China has tightened its rules on the distribution of maps that violate the government's stance on territorial disputes, state television said on Wednesday (Dec 16).

The new rules come amid heightened tension with neighbours over territorial disputes in the South China Sea and a sensitive election in democratic, self-ruled Taiwan.

Chinese border officials have long confiscated maps that violate the country's positions on issues such as Taiwan, islands in the South China Sea or territory in dispute with India.

The government also keeps tight controls on maps deemed to reveal sensitive geographic or security information.

China Central Television (CCTV) said publication and display of maps that do not comply with national standards would violate the new rules, as would carrying or mailing them across the country's borders.

Content "that endangers the country's sovereignty, safety and interests cannot be marked on maps," government mapping official Li Weibin said in the broadcast.

Information that could hurt ethnic unity would be prohibited, the CCTV report added, urging that "territorial awareness" figure in the curriculum of primary and secondary schools.

China says it faces a serious threat from separatists in its western Xinjiang region and in Tibet.

The official Xinhua news agency announced the new rules on Monday, saying offences deemed to amount to a crime would face prosecution.

The rules take effect in January, Xinhua said, but state media have given few details.