Vietnam has banned the upcoming ‘Barbie’ film from being released within its borders due to a scene featuring the contentious “Nine-dash line” map. The map, which depicts territorial claims in the South China Sea disputed by China and Vietnam, has been deemed illegal by Vietnamese authorities.
The head of the Vietnam Cinema Department announced the ban, citing the inclusion of the “cow’s tongue line” as an “illegal image.” The decision reflects Vietnam’s firm stance on territorial disputes in the region and its rejection of any depiction that contradicts its claims.
The ‘Barbie’ film’s ban highlights the sensitivity surrounding the South China Sea issue and the importance placed on maintaining national sovereignty. Vietnam, like other countries in the region, asserts its rights to areas within the contested waters, which have been a subject of ongoing tension and diplomatic disputes.
Film censorship is not uncommon in cases where national interests or sensitive political matters are at stake. In this instance, the portrayal of the “Nine-dash line” map has triggered the ban, underscoring the significance of territorial integrity and national narratives.
While ‘Barbie’ enthusiasts in Vietnam may be disappointed by the ban, the decision reflects the government’s commitment to upholding its territorial claims and reinforcing its position on disputed territories in the South China Sea.
