Netflix removes spy drama Pine Gap in Vietnam over South China Sea map
- The map, which briefly features on the screens of a control room at a spy base in two episodes, depicts China’s unilaterally declared ‘nine-dash line’
- Chinese and Vietnamese ships have in recent years been embroiled in months-long stand-offs in the disputed waterways
The map, which briefly features on the screens of a control room at a spy base in two episodes of the six-part show, depicts China’s unilaterally declared “nine-dash line” and is displayed within the context of maritime claims in the region.
“This is the third time in a row in the last 12 months that Netflix has been found to distribute movies and TV shows containing content which violate Vietnam’s sovereignty,” said the statement, which was dated July 1.
The “nine-dash line” is a U-shaped feature used on Chinese maps to illustrate its disputed claims over vast expanses of the resource-rich South China Sea, including large swathes of what Vietnam regards as its continental shelf, where it has awarded oil concessions.
Chinese and Vietnamese ships have in recent years been embroiled in months-long stand-offs in the disputed waterways.
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The South China Sea dispute explained
“Following a written legal demand from the Vietnamese regulator, we have removed the licensed series, Pine Gap, from Netflix in Vietnam, to comply with local law,” a Netflix spokesperson said.
Vietnam’s broadcasting authority said the other two shows which it had raised as issues with Netflix were Put Your Head on My Shoulder, a 2019 Chinese romcom, and the US political drama Madam Secretary.
Put Your Head on My Shoulder was still visible on Netflix on Friday, although Madam Secretary was not.