South China Sea: Netflix scrambles to remove spy show amid Vietnam sovereignty complaint

SOUTH China Sea sovereignty sparked a row between Netflix and Vietnam after the content platform made available a programme putting into question the country's claims over the contested region.

Vietnam: Tensions with China discussed by reporter in 2020

was forced to remove an Australian spy series in Vietnam following a request to pull the show by the country's Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information (ABEI). The organisation demanded the removal of Pine Row over scenes containing maps of the seemingly recognising Beijing's claims over the area. The South China Sea has long been a hot spot of contention between , Vietnam, the Philippines and four other sovereign nations in the area.

The ABEI said the six-episode drama had "violated the country's sovereignty over sea and islands".

They added: "Netflix's violations have hurt feelings and caused outrage among the entire Vietnamese people."

The Vietnamese agency also said Netflix had been found in violation of its policy at least three times over the past year because of the distribution of "movies and TV shows containing content which violates Vietnam's sovereignty".

The Chinese rom-com 'Put Your Head on My Shoulder" and the US political drama 'Madam Secretary' were singled out in the statement as examples of the alleged violation of Vietnamese sovereignty.

south china sea netflix vietnam pine gap

South China Sea row: Vietnam issued a complaint over maps contained in a Netflix show (Image: GETTY)

south china sea vietnam netflix show pulled

South China Sea news: Vietnam has been reinforcing its defences in recent months (Image: GETTY)

Netflix confirmed on Friday Pine Gap would be no longer available in Vietnam.

In a statement released by the US content platform, Netflix said: "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.

"It remains available on our service in the rest of the world."

China has long been claiming full sovereignty over the South China Sea citing the unclearly defined demarcation nine-dash-line as the basis for their claim.

South China Sea: Philippines says arbitration ‘final’ says expert

south china sea vietnam china war fears

South China Sea row: Vietnam created a new maritime force in June to hit back at Chinese threats (Image: GETTY)

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.

Vietnam had previously pulled the animated film Abominable for containing a scene featuring a map of the Chinese nine-dash line.

Chinese and Vietnamese ships have in recent years been embroiled in months-long standoffs in the disputed waterways.

DON'T MISS
Joe Biden could trigger ‘major war with China’ over Taiwan [REVEAL]
China may risk security of nation with 'dangerous' invasion of Taiwan [INSIGHT]
China and US seconds from triggering WW3 in South China Sea jet clash [UPDATE]

south china sea map china vietnam philippines

The South China Sea has been at the centre of a contention dispute between seven countries (Image: EXPRESS.CO.UK)

Vietnam launched the new Permanent Maritime Militia Unit in early June in response to growing tensions with Beijing.

The Philippines have also reported an increased issue with Chinese fishing vessels accused of encroaching in Filipino waters at Whitsun Reef in the Spratly Islands.

In June, the head of the Philippine armed forces, Cirilito Sobejana, visited one of the country’s controlled islands, angering Chinese officials.

General Sobejana commended soldiers for protecting the island's residents and “guarding the country's territories” in the region.

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?