Vietnam probes Chinese tea brand over controversial South China Sea map

'Nine-dash line' is boundary line claimed by Beijing encompassing most of South China Sea, causing disputes between China, Vietnam, others

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) – Vietnam has launched a probe into a Chinese tea brand over controversial South China Sea map on its website, local media reported on Friday.

Chagee milk tea came under scrutiny after the map was found on its mobile app, according to VietNamNet online newspaper. The brand is accused of promoting the "nine-dash line" image, which contradicts Vietnam's sovereignty laws.

The "nine-dash line" refers to a boundary claimed by China encompassing most of the South China Sea, an area where China has conflicting territorial and maritime claims with Vietnam alongside with several other nations.

On Thursday, a press conference was held by the authorities from the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee and the Department of Culture and Sports to address the issue.

During the conference, Tran Binh Thien, deputy chief inspector of the Department of Culture and Sports, confirmed that his department is working with local police to investigate Chagee Vietnam Company Limited.

Tran emphasized that any violations involving "illegal maps" that encroach upon disputed territories will be met with strict legal consequences.

Kaynak:

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