Netflix removes Chinese drama in Vietnam over disputed map

Netflix has removed a Chinese romance drama from its Vietnam platform after authorities objected to a scene showing a disputed South China Sea map.

The series 'Shine on Me' features images of the so-called nine-dash line, which Vietnam said infringes on national sovereignty.

Vietnam’s culture ministry ordered Netflix to take down the show on 3 January and gave the company 24 hours to comply.

A BBC review confirmed the series was no longer available to viewers in Vietnam following the government request.

The disputed map appears multiple times in episode 25 during a lecture scene about China’s solar power potential.

Vietnam is among several countries that reject China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea.

China has not officially commented, though state-run media urged Vietnam to separate cultural exchanges from territorial disputes.

The nine-dash line dispute centres on the Paracel and Spratly island chains claimed by both Beijing and Hanoi.

Vietnam previously ordered Netflix to remove another Chinese drama in 2023 over a similar map depiction.

Vietnamese authorities have also banned films from Warner Bros and DreamWorks for including the contested line.