The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) expressed skepticism regarding the portrayal of China's controversial nine-dash line in the much-anticipated "Barbie" film.
After a thorough examination of the movie, the DFA stated on Wednesday that it remains unconvinced that the lines depicted in the film represent anything more than a fictional route on the map.
"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," said the foreign department.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/DFAPHL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DFAPHL</a> hindi kumbinsido na ang mga linya sa isang eksena sa pelikulang <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Barbie?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Barbie</a> ay kathang-isip lamang sa isang "imaginary world map". Matapos ang isinagawang review, nagbigay ng payo ang DFA sa <a href="https://twitter.com/MTRCBgov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MTRCBgov</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/mtrcb_ph?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mtrcb_ph</a> at tiwala silang gagawin nito ang kanilang mandato upang maiwasan <a href="https://t.co/bk8xMB21j7">pic.twitter.com/bk8xMB21j7</a>
&mdash; Karen OwYong (@KarenOwYong) <a href="https://twitter.com/KarenOwYong/status/1679049720185118721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
The concern arises from a scene in the film where a <a href="https://www.dzrh.com.ph/post/warner-bros.-on-controversial-nine-dash-line" target="_blank" rel="noopener">map of the world</a> is displayed, featuring a labeled landmass as "Asia" and accompanied by dash lines alongside it.
Despite the criticisms and the <a href="https://www.dzrh.com.ph/post/vietnam-bans-'barbie'-movie-over-south-china-sea-map" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vietnam government's decision</a> to ban the movie due to a scene allegedly depicting the nine-dash line, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) had <a href="https://www.dzrh.com.ph/post/mtrcb-allows-'barbie'-film-screening" target="_blank" rel="noopener">previously approved the film</a> for commercial screening.
In response to the situation, the DFA has offered guidance to the MTRCB without providing specific details.&nbsp;
"To avoid any misinterpretation, the Department has provided advice to the MTRCB," the DFA said.
The foreign department expressed confidence in the MTRCB's commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities and expects the board to act accordingly.
"The Department trusts that the MTRCB will do its utmost in the exercise of their mandate," it added.

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DFA expresses doubt over China's 9-dash line in "Barbie" film