Vietnam’s Popular Dolls Pulled Over Controversial South China Sea Markings
Vietnam has pulled popular Baby Three dolls from shelves due to a marking resembling China’s controversial nine-dash line, triggering significant backlash. This has impacted sales dramatically, with vendors reporting nearly complete losses. Similar anti-China sentiments have led to boycotts of media and products related to territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
Tensions in the South China Sea have influenced Vietnam’s retail market, particularly through the ban on popular children’s dolls linked to a controversial facial marking. The ‘Baby Three dolls,’ charming collectibles with rabbit ears made in China, gained immense popularity among Vietnamese children earlier this year. However, backlash erupted concerning the ‘Town rabbit V2’ model due to a cheek marking perceived to align with China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea.
Vietnam’s industry and trade ministry responded to the public’s concerns by initiating inspections of toys displaying the so-called ‘nine-dash line,’ which Vietnam asserts undermines national sovereignty. Retailers in Hanoi reported that most of the dolls in question were removed from shelves, drastically impacting sales across all models of the popular toys. One seller, who requested anonymity, noted that her sales had plummeted from 100 dolls daily to virtually none.
According to YouNet ECI, the average price of Baby Three dolls dropped to half within the first ten weeks of 2025 due to the ongoing scandal. Consumers like 19-year-old Vu Tu expressed their discontent, stating that such toys harm Vietnam’s territorial integrity. The backlash extended beyond dolls; a Chinese milk tea brand, Chagee, faced severe criticism for displaying a nine-dash line map on its site, leading to threats of a boycott.
Historically, Vietnam has reacted similarly to media and products referencing the nine-dash line; for instance, the film ‘Barbie’ was banned in 2023 for containing related scenes, and numerous cuts occurred in past cinematic releases portraying disputed territories. The South China Sea remains a highly contentious area involving crucial shipping lanes and resource claims, prompting heightened scrutiny over any references to China’s assertive stance in the region.
The backlash against the Baby Three dolls highlights the deep sensitivities within Vietnam regarding sovereignty issues related to the South China Sea. Following the public’s outcry referencing the nine-dash line, many dolls were removed from retail establishments, causing significant financial losses for vendors. This incident is reflective of larger trends in Vietnam’s approach to Chinese products and narratives that threaten national pride and territorial claims. Similar controversies in the past demonstrate the ongoing impact that territorial integrity holds over cultural and consumer products in Vietnam, showcasing the importance of national sentiment in shaping market dynamics.
Original Source: www.montanarightnow.com
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