Popularising, using products with "nine-dash line" map violate Vietnam's law

HANOI: The popularisation and use of publications and products with the "nine-dash line" map in Vietnam are a violation of the law and are not accepted in the country, said the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang.

Hang made the statement at the ministry's regular press conference in Hanoi on Thursday in reply to a reporter's question regarding Vietnam's ban on the film "Barbie" due to its image of China's so-called "nine-dash-line", according to Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

Vietnam's position on the 'nine-dash line' has been clearly and consistently stated and reiterated many times, said the spokeswoman.

Previously, the Department of Cinema under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism confirmed that the film would not be screened in Vietnam because it contains the image of the "nine-dash line."

This decision was made after the national film appraisal and classification council evaluated the movie.

Regarding information related to the organiser of K-pop group Blackpink's concert in Hanoi publishing a map featuring the "nine-dash line," Hang stressed that Vietnam's position on the "nine-dash line" has been clearly clarified many times.

The authorities are now verifying the information about the show, she said.

According to media reports, the organiser of Blackpink's Vietnam concerts scheduled later this month apologised for publishing the controversial South China Sea territorial map on one of its websites and pledged to remove it.

-- BERNAMA