Exploiting cinematic works to subtly promote the "nine-dash line" (or "cow's tongue line").

The "nine-dash line" in imported cultural and cinematic works.

Recently, the Government issued Decree No. 22/2022/ND-CP amending and supplementing a number of articles of Decree No. 32/2012/ND-CP on the management of import and export of cultural products not intended for commercial purposes, including the addition of some regulations on film imports.

A noteworthy additional point is Clause 3, Article 8 of the Decree on the authority to license the import of cultural products. Specifically, import licenses for films will be revoked by the licensing authority if the film's content is found to violate the prohibitions in the Film Law.

This decree was issued not long after the film Uncharted (Vietnamese title: The Ancient Artifact Hunter) was banned in Vietnam because it contained a scene with the "nine-dash line" (the line drawn by China claiming illegal sovereignty over a large part of the South China Sea).

Previously, the film was scheduled to be released domestically on March 18th.

The blockbuster film "The Treasure Hunter" was banned in Vietnam due to its depiction of the "nine-dash line" (also known as the "cow's tongue line").

In fact, China has repeatedly inserted images of the "nine-dash line" into films and art works imported, distributed, and screened in Vietnam.

In October 2019, the animated film Abominable (titled Everest - The Little Snowman in Vietnamese) was withdrawn from Vietnamese theaters after netizens discovered a map containing the "nine-dash line" in one of the film's scenes.

The film was produced by DreamWorks (USA) in collaboration with Pearl Company of China. Following this incident, CGV, as the distributor, was fined 170 million VND and ordered to destroy the film (the imported digital film files and promotional materials).

Dealing with the "nine-dash line" issue on online platforms is not simple.

Not only appearing in theatrical releases, works containing images of the "nine-dash line" are also frequently found on online streaming platforms.

Decree No. 22/2022/ND-CP amending and supplementing a number of articles of Decree No. 32/2012/ND-CP on the management of import and export of cultural products not intended for commercial purposes, including the addition of some regulations on film imports, has received much approval and support from netizens.

With the rapid development of online streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc., addressing the issue of the "nine-dash line" on online platforms is a significant challenge for film regulatory authorities in Vietnam.

Specifically, on September 15, 2021, in episode 13 of the drama "One Life, One World" broadcast on the iQiyi Vietnam platform, there was a segment containing an image of the "nine-dash line".

In July of this year, the series Pine Gap also contained inaccurate images regarding Vietnam's maritime sovereignty, with the "nine-dash line" map in the South China Sea appearing in episodes 2 and 3. Immediately, the Broadcasting, Television and Electronic Information Department (Ministry of Information and Communications) issued a document requesting Netflix to remove the series.

Previously, the Netflix series Put Your Head On My Shoulder (released in July 2020) and Madam Secretary (released in August 2020) also contained scenes that violated Vietnam's sovereignty.

Regarding this issue, Mr. Le Van Nghiem, former Director of the Department of External Information, Ministry of Information and Communications, stated that for works released on online platforms, especially by companies without representatives in Vietnam, the Ministry of Information and Communications will be directly responsible for contacting them and sending written requests to remove images containing false information about Vietnam's legitimate rights at sea.

However, this process will require considerable time and effort.

A map featuring the "nine-dash line" appeared in episode 13 of One Life, One World.

Exploiting cinematic works to subtly promote the "nine-dash line" (or "cow's tongue line").

Explaining why China chose films to subtly include details of the "nine-dash line," Major General Nguyen Van Tin, former Deputy Director of the Propaganda Department of the Vietnam People's Army, stated that this was a deliberate setup, a propaganda tactic to distort Vietnam's territorial sovereignty.

“Cinema is an art form that attracts many viewers. When a film is released, its impact is both broad and deep. Because a film will be shown in many places, for many years, even for many generations. 'Slow and steady wins the race,' if we are not vigilant and do not promptly detect images that infringe upon Vietnam's legitimate rights at sea, the consequences will be significant,” warned Major General Nguyen Van Tin.

Major General Nguyen Van Tin - former Deputy Director of the Propaganda Department, Vietnam People's Army.

Having served as a member of the Film Review Council of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for two years, Major General Nguyen Van Tin stated that the tactic of including details of the "nine-dash line" in films is a very clever and difficult-to-detect disguise.

In addition, to increase effectiveness, China often chooses romantic films, blockbusters, and films featuring famous actors to "embed" the image of the nine-dash line.

The power and awareness of public opinion

According to Le Van Nghiem, former Director of the Department of External Information, Ministry of Information and Communications, international and Vietnamese public opinion is playing a significant role in eliminating the influence of the "nine-dash line"—a form of "map invasion" carried out by China to change the perceptions of Vietnam and the world.

However, many major countries such as the UK, France, and the US have taken very clear stances on the South China Sea issue. Recently, the US released its report "The Limits of the Seas No. 150".

The latest report from the U.S. State Department questions China's unilateral claims of sovereignty over more than 100 geographical features in the South China Sea, rejecting many of its arguments and claims.

In addition, the Vietnamese online community has repeatedly expressed strong opinions and viewpoints regarding works containing the "nine-dash line" that have been broadcast or posted online.

In June 2021, an oceanographic map of China by artist Feifei Ruan was released by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). This map listed 35 species of marine life, but half of them live in waters under Vietnamese sovereignty. The artist added the nine-dash line to portray them as belonging to China.

However, Feifei Ruan soon had to remove the post from the Behance social media platform after receiving numerous negative comments and violation reports.

Previously, when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out globally, the Chinese Embassy in Italy posted on Facebook and Twitter a picture of medical staff from both countries holding up a map of their respective countries, expressing their intention to show gratitude and help each other overcome COVID-19. The map of China in the picture included the "nine-dash line" (or "cow's tongue line").

This article has met with fierce opposition from Vietnamese netizens.

Preventing it at the censorship stage.

Based on his own experience as a member of the National Film Review Council, Major General Nguyen Van Tin stated: "Following the incident involving the 'nine-dash line' image in the final seconds of the film."Red Sea Mission"The Party Central Committee directed the addition of four more members to the Film Review Council, increasing it from five to nine. They are all professionals with expertise and influence. The Film Review Council has worked very hard. Some review sessions lasted 3-4 hours, while sensitive images like the 'nine-dash line' appeared for less than a second and were often included in minor details. Each year, the Council reviews more than 200 films, ensuring that the content reflects the ideology, aesthetics, and lifestyle of Vietnamese people," Major General Tín stated.

The image, posted by the Chinese Embassy in Italy, depicts medical staff from both countries holding up a map containing the "nine-dash line."

Recently, the "nine-dash line" detail in the blockbuster film has been the subject of much discussion.Artifact hunterThe role of Tom Holland was discovered very early, before the film's release. This was the result of considerable effort and accumulation by the members of the Film Review Board.