Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Vietnam Forces Netflix to Remove Controversial Series Over China Map

1/5/2026

33 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Vietnam's Department of Cinema ordered Netflix to remove Shine On Me for depicting the nine-dash line map used by China to claim sovereignty in the South China Sea.
Netflix reclassified Shine On Me as category C, banning its distribution after the government demand.
The takedown on January 5, 2026, underscores Vietnam's sensitivity to China's claims and maritime clashes.
In 2023, Netflix halted another Chinese drama for similar reasons.

1 of 1

Story summary

Vietnam's Department of Cinema ordered Netflix to remove Shine On Me for depicting the nine-dash line map used by China to claim sovereignty in the South China Sea.
Netflix reclassified Shine On Me as category C, banning its distribution after the government demand.
The takedown on January 5, 2026, underscores Vietnam's sensitivity to China's claims and maritime clashes.
In 2023, Netflix halted another Chinese drama for similar reasons.