Netflix Pulls Chinese Drama from Vietnam Amid Territorial Dispute
Netflix has removed a Chinese drama series from its Vietnam platform following objections from the Vietnamese government regarding a controversial episode that features a map with contested South China Sea claims. The decision underscores ongoing tensions in the region over territorial sovereignty, particularly amidst China’s assertions of control over disputed areas.
Why It Matters
The removal of the drama series highlights the complex relationship between cultural content and national sovereignty in Southeast Asia. As nations contest territorial claims, media portrayals can ignite significant diplomatic tensions, influencing not only entertainment channels but also broader international relations.
Key Developments
- The Vietnamese culture ministry demanded Netflix remove the series “Shine on Me” on January 3, giving the streaming service 24 hours to comply.
- The show, which includes visuals of the disputed nine-dash line, was no longer available on Netflix’s Vietnam platform as of January 10.
- The contested map appears prominently in a scene discussing China’s solar power potential, raising concerns in Vietnam about sovereignty violations.
- “Shine on Me” ranks among Netflix’s Top 10 in several territories, including Singapore and Taiwan, before its removal.
- Chinese state media has urged Vietnam to separate cultural issues from territorial disputes.
Full Report
Details of the Incident
Netflix’s decision to withdraw “Shine on Me” was prompted by the Vietnamese government’s condemnation of the show’s inclusion of the nine-dash line, which outlines China’s claimed territorial waters in the South China Sea. The line has been widely criticized by several countries, including Vietnam, which argues that it infringes upon its national sovereignty.
The show’s episode featuring the contested map presents a scene where main characters attend a lecture projecting this controversial map of China, a visual that raised immediate objections from Hanoi. The Vietnamese culture ministry acted swiftly, demanding the removal of the series within a short timeframe.
Broader Implications
This recurring theme of media conflicts resonates strongly in Vietnam, a country that has previously taken similar action against other productions perceived to conflict with its territorial claims. Notably, the government had previously banned two other productions—Warner Bros’ “Barbie” and DreamWorks’ “Abominable”—for featuring the nine-dash line. These actions demonstrate the sensitive nature of territorial disputes in Asia and the lengths to which governments will go to protect national pride.
Reactions and Developments
As of now, Beijing has not formally commented on the ban. However, an article in the state-run newspaper Global Times suggested that Vietnam should disentangle cultural exchanges from territorial disputes. This reflects a broader effort by China to assert its claims and navigate international relations amid rising regional tensions.
Context & Previous Events
This incident marks another episode in a protracted dispute over areas in the South China Sea, particularly the Paracel and Spratly island chains, which both Vietnam and China claim. Vietnam’s stance is that it has exercised sovereignty over these territories since the 17th Century, while China contends that it has historical claims dating back centuries. In 2016, an international tribunal ruled against Beijing’s assertions, a decision that China has not recognized.
Additionally, from 2019 to 2024, Vietnam filed eight requests with Netflix to remove content featuring the nine-dash line, illustrating an ongoing vigilance regarding media representations of territorial integrity.
