Archive · 6 Jan 2026
Vietnam Orders Netflix to Remove Chinese Drama
Vietnam told Netflix to take down a Chinese TV show called 'Shine on Me' because it showed a map that China uses to claim parts of the South China Sea.
Vietnam doesn't agree with this map and says it's wrong.
Netflix took the show down right away.
This isn't the first time this has happened.
Last year, Netflix also had to remove another Chinese show, 'Flight to You,' for the same reason.
Vietnam has also banned other things, like the movie 'Barbie' and some Chinese milk tea and toys, because they showed the same map.
The South China Sea is a big area where many countries, including Vietnam, China, and others, argue about who owns what.
Vietnam ordered Netflix to remove the Chinese drama 'Shine on Me' due to a map depicting China's nine-dash line in the South China Sea.
The Department of Cinema under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued the order, citing violations of Vietnam's national sovereignty.
Netflix complied within 24 hours, and the series was no longer available by Monday 11am Hanoi time.
The series was reclassified as Category C, banning it from distribution in Vietnam.
This is not the first instance; Netflix previously removed 'Flight to You' in 2023 for a similar reason, and Vietnam has also banned other items like the 'Barbie' movie and certain Chinese products for depicting the same map.
- Who
- Netflix and Vietnamese authorities
- What
- Removal of Chinese drama 'Shine on Me' from Netflix Vietnam
- When
- Within 24 hours of the order, completed by Monday 11am Hanoi time
- Where
- Vietnam
- Why
- Depiction of the nine-dash line map, which Vietnam considers a violation of its national sovereignty
- Series Removed
- Shine on Me
- Reason for Removal
- Depiction of the nine-dash line map
- Issuing Authority
- Department of Cinema, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Vietnam
- Netflix Response Time
- Within 24 hours
- New Classification
- Category C (banned from distribution)
- Contested Territory
- South China Sea
- Previous Similar Incident
- Flight to You (2023)
- Other Banned Items
- Barbie movie, Chagee milk tea, children's toys
Sources
Netflix Withdraws Chinese Drama in Vietnam Over Nine-Dash Line Map
How Netflix Is Caught Up Between China & Vietnam's South China Sea Controversy
Netflix Removes Chinese Drama Shine On Me For Vietnam Over Geopolitical Objections
