Title: Vietnamese Authorities Force Netflix and FPT Telecom to Withdraw Chinese TV Drama Amidst Sovereignty Dispute
Release Date: [Date]
HANOI – Vietnamese streaming service provider FPT Telecom and global media giant Netflix Inc. have ceased the availability of the popular Chinese romantic TV drama, “Flight to You,” in Vietnam. The decision came after the Vietnamese government accused the show of violating sovereignty laws by showcasing a disputed map that claimed islands in the South China Sea as non-Vietnamese territory.
The Vietnamese culture ministry’s cinema department stated on its official website that despite FPT Telecom’s effort to blur the image of the controversial map, the 39-episode drama still contains inappropriate content, thereby breaching Vietnam’s sovereignty laws.
The TV drama, which initially gained significant popularity in Vietnam, has now become another victim in the ongoing sovereignty dispute between Vietnam and China. The contentious map featured in the show depicted islands in the South China Sea, also known as the East Sea in Vietnam, as part of China’s territory.
Vietnamese authorities have accused “Flight to You” of promoting a distorted view of the contested region, clearly conflicting with Vietnam’s official stance on the issue. The country has long claimed sovereignty over various islands and maritime territories in the South China Sea, believed to be rich in natural resources, including oil and gas. The disputed waters have been a source of conflict and tensions between Vietnam and China for years.
FPT Telecom, in collaboration with Netflix, had previously taken measures to address the concerns raised by the Vietnamese government by blurring the contentious map. However, the cinema department determined that the drama still contained elements that violated Vietnam’s sovereignty laws.
The withdrawal of “Flight to You” highlights the continuing efforts of the Vietnamese government to control the narrative surrounding the South China Sea dispute. Vietnam has a history of being sensitive to any content that challenges its territorial integrity or supports rival territorial claims.
The decision has received mixed reactions from Vietnamese viewers who have grown fond of Chinese TV dramas. While some have expressed disappointment over the loss of a beloved show, others believe that it is essential for Vietnamese platforms to uphold national sovereignty and not promote content that contradicts Vietnam’s stated position.
As streaming platforms continue to play an influential role in shaping public opinion, the withdrawal of “Flight to You” serves as a reminder that governments worldwide are actively monitoring and intervening in the content available to their citizens, particularly when sensitive geopolitical issues are at stake.
In light of this development, it remains uncertain whether the airing of the drama will resume in Vietnam, given the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty in the face of territorial disputes.