Vietnam has imposed a ban on the Barbie movie due to its depiction of China’s nine-dash line in the South China Sea. The nine-dash line is a contentious claim made by China regarding vast areas of the South China Sea, including parts that Vietnam also claims.
Vietnam opposes China’s nine-dash line. The government has banned the Barbie movie in response to the map displayed in it.
The ban on the Barbie movie has sparked different reactions. Some criticize the government’s decision as an exaggerated response. Others support the ban, stating that it is important to protect Vietnam’s sovereignty.
This is not the first time that Vietnam has banned a film featuring the nine-dash line. In 2019, the movie “Abominable” faced a similar prohibition due to its inclusion of the disputed map.
Given the complexity of the ongoing South China Sea dispute, it is likely that the ban on the Barbie movie will not be the final instance of Vietnam taking action against foreign films showcasing the nine-dash line.
