What's Happening?
Netflix has removed the Chinese drama series 'Shine on Me' from its platform in Vietnam following objections from the Vietnamese government. The controversy arose due to the depiction of a map featuring the 'nine-dash line,' which is used by China to assert
territorial claims in the South China Sea. Vietnam, along with several other countries, disputes these claims. The Vietnamese culture ministry demanded the removal of the series, citing the map as 'inaccurate' and infringing on national sovereignty. The series was pulled from Netflix's Vietnam platform after the demand was made. The map appeared in episode 25 of the series during a scene discussing China's solar power potential.
Why It's Important?
The removal of 'Shine on Me' highlights ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, where China's territorial claims are contested by multiple countries, including Vietnam. This incident underscores the sensitivity of cultural products that touch on geopolitical issues, particularly in regions with complex territorial disputes. The decision by Netflix to comply with Vietnam's demand reflects the challenges global media companies face in navigating local political landscapes. It also illustrates the broader impact of cultural diplomacy and the potential for entertainment media to become entangled in international disputes.
