Vietnam Bans 'Barbie' Movie: Controversial South China Sea Map Leads to Release Suspension

 Vietnam has banned the release of Warner Bros' "Barbie" movie due to its inclusion of a controversial map featuring China's unilaterally claimed territory in the South China Sea, according to state media. The American live-action movie allegedly depicts a scene with a map displaying the "nine-dash line," which is used by China to assert its territorial claims over significant portions of the South China Sea. Vietnam, along with several other nations, disputes these claims.

The dispute over the territory in the South China Sea was taken to an international tribunal in The Hague in 2016, which rejected China's claims to the majority of the region. However, China did not accept the tribunal's judgment. The South China Sea holds great strategic importance as it serves as a crucial trade route connecting the main arteries of commerce in Southeast Asia.

"Barbie" was scheduled for release in Vietnamese cinemas on July 21, simultaneously with its debut in the United States. However, the ban has led movie theaters to remove the film from their upcoming release schedules, as reported by state newspaper Tuổi Trẻ. Vi Kien Thanh, the head of the Vietnam Cinema Department, confirmed the ban to the newspaper. Independent verification of the report by CNBC was not available at the time of writing.

This is not the first instance of a movie being banned in Vietnam for featuring the controversial "nine-dash line" map. In 2022, the film "Uncharted," starring Tom Holland, faced a ban for the same reason. Similarly, in 2019, the DreamWorks animated film "Abominable" was also prohibited from screening in Vietnam due to the inclusion of the disputed map.

The banning of movies that depict the "nine-dash line" map reflects Vietnam's stance on the South China Sea territorial dispute and its commitment to protecting its sovereignty. As tensions continue to simmer in the region, such acts highlight the sensitivity surrounding the issue and the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations among the countries involved.

The ban on "Barbie" in Vietnam demonstrates the impact of political conflicts on cultural and entertainment industries. It serves as a reminder that movies can become collateral in territorial disputes, with content being scrutinized for potentially offensive or politically sensitive elements. This incident further emphasizes the need for filmmakers and studios to navigate the complexities of international politics to ensure the smooth release of their productions in diverse markets.

As the controversy surrounding the South China Sea persists, it remains to be seen how the ban on "Barbie" and similar incidents will shape the future of film distribution and cultural exchange in the region. The geopolitical implications of territorial disputes continue to extend beyond traditional arenas, impacting various aspects of society, including the creative arts.

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