Netflix Removes Chinese Drama In Vietnam Over Disputed Map Claims

Netflix has removed the Chinese romantic drama Shine on Me from its platform in Vietnam after authorities objected to a scene showing a controversial map of the South China Sea. The 27-episode series briefly displays the so-called nine-dash line during a college lecture scene, a depiction Vietnam rejects as inaccurate and a violation of its sovereignty.

The Vietnamese culture ministry issued a written demand on January 3, giving Netflix 24 hours to take action. The streaming service said it complied with the request, and the show is no longer accessible to users in Vietnam, according to a BBC report. The nine-dash line is used by China to assert sweeping territorial claims in the South China Sea, which Vietnam strongly opposes, with the dispute having led to maritime tensions in the past.

This is not the first time Netflix has faced such action in Vietnam. In 2023, it removed the Chinese drama Flight to You over a similar issue, even though the disputed map had been blurred. Vietnamese authorities have also previously blocked foreign films over the same concern, including Barbie in 2023 and DreamWorks’ Abominable in 2016.

Before its removal, Shine on Me was performing well on Netflix, ranking in the Top 10 in markets such as Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam, alongside strong viewership in China. Beijing has not officially commented on the decision, though the state-run Global Times urged Vietnam to keep cultural exchanges separate from the South China Sea dispute.