Netflix pulls Chinese drama after Vietnam's outcry over disputed map

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 3 min read 100% complete January 6, 2026 at 08:56 AM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Netflix removed the Chinese drama "Shine on Me" from its Vietnam platform on January 3rd after the Vietnamese government objected to an episode featuring the "nine-dash line" map, which depicts China's contested territorial claims in the South China Sea. Vietnam's culture ministry demanded the removal, citing the map as inaccurate and infringing on national sovereignty. The disputed map appeared in episode 25 during a scene about China's solar power potential. China uses the nine-dash line to demarcate its claims in the South China Sea, a claim disputed by Vietnam and other countries. The removal highlights ongoing tensions between China and Vietnam over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Taiwan ×240% Singapore 40% Global Times 50% Paracel Islands ×260% Beijing ×370% Hanoi ×270% Shine On Me ×480% nine-dash line ×485% Netflix ×490% South China Sea ×590% China ×1095% Vietnam ×995%

Keywords

south china sea 100% nine-dash line 90% vietnam 80% netflix 80% territorial claims 70% china 60% sovereignty 60% chinese drama 60% disputed map 50% shine on me 40%