China on Barbie ban: Sea dispute should spare 'culture exchange'

The tension in the South China Sea (SCS) should be separated from “normal cultural and people-to-people exchanges”, China said Wednesday.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks when asked about Vietnam’s ban on the screening of the upcoming “Barbie” movie.

“China's position on the South China Sea issue is clear and consistent. We believe that the countries concerned should not link the South China Sea issue with normal cultural and people-to-people exchanges,” said Mao.

Hanoi banned the domestic distribution of the highly anticipated live action doll film starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling over a scene depicting China’s controversial nine-dash line.

In July 2016, the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, based on a case filed by the Philippines, junked China’s nine-dash line theory claiming the entirety of the SCS.

The historic ruling upheld the Philippines' claims in the highly-contested territory based on its exclusive economic zone provided under the 1982 UNCLOS.

Beijing did not participate in the legal proceedings and continues to refuse to recognize the decision of the arbitral tribunal.

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board on Tuesday said its Committee on First Review is deliberating whether to allow the movie for commercial release in the Philippines.—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News