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| A Map, a Drama, and a Ban: The Curious Case of Love’s Ambition in Vietnam |
The mainland Chinese hit Love’s Ambition, starring Zhao Lusi and William Chan, has found itself in unexpected hot water after Vietnamese authorities reportedly banned the drama outright.
The series had been dominating streaming charts across Asia — especially in Thailand and Vietnam — before the controversy broke out.
Since its premiere, Love’s Ambition has gained a solid reputation as Zhao Lusi’s boldest work yet.
She takes on the role of a sharp-witted woman who marries a rich heir (played by William Chan), thinking it’s a sacrifice for her true love.
But what unfolds is a cold, manipulative marriage built on power plays and emotional tension.
Fans and critics alike praised Zhao Lusi for breaking out of her usual sweet-girl image, delivering intense emotional scenes that became instant fan favourites.
The drama’s rise was suddenly cut short when Vietnamese officials spotted something troubling in episode 16 — a scene showing a map featuring the so-called “Nine-Dash Line.”
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The line, which represents China’s territorial claims over large parts of the South China Sea, has long been rejected by several Southeast Asian nations, including Vietnam.
According to a report by HK.on.cc, Vietnam’s Film Bureau quickly determined the scene breached Article 9 of the country’s Film Law, which forbids content that undermines national sovereignty.
Even though the episode hadn’t yet been officially released in Vietnam, authorities wasted no time — within 24 hours, Love’s Ambition disappeared from all local streaming services.
The “Nine-Dash Line” is a highly sensitive symbol in the region.
China uses it to demarcate what it claims as its maritime territory, but neighbouring countries like Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, and Vietnam have all opposed it.
Vietnam in particular has taken a firm stance — any media that displays or even references the disputed line faces strict censorship.
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This isn’t the first time Chinese media has run into issues over the same map, but Love’s Ambition stands out because of how quickly it was removed, showing just how cautious the Vietnamese authorities have become regarding cross-border entertainment.
Despite being banned in Vietnam, the drama continues to ride a wave of success elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
It remains trending across several international platforms, with discussions about Zhao Lusi’s “anti-heroine” transformation going viral.
For Zhao Lusi herself, this project was meant to mark her grand comeback — a shift from her usual image into something darker and more layered.
So the sudden ban comes as an unwelcome hiccup in an otherwise stellar run. Still, the buzz (and controversy) might only make Love’s Ambition more talked about globally.
As one fan on social media put it, “Zhao Lusi didn’t just act — she conquered.”