THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) yesterday said “it is not convinced” that the lines shown in the film “Barbie” depict the nine-dash line claims by China in the disputed South China Sea (SCS) that would warrant a ban.

In a statement, the DFA said “having carefully reviewed the film, the Department is not convinced that the lines shown depict anything more than a fictitious path, in an imaginary world map.”

The DFA said it appreciates the opportunity given by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) for a joint screening of the movie “Barbie” to ascertain if the depiction of the imaginary world map is inimical to the national interest, in the context of adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

“To avoid any misinterpretation, the Department has provided advice to the MTRCB. The Department trusts that the MTRCB will do its utmost in the exercise of their mandate,” the DFA added.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Cristina Lee-Pisco