Vietnam's government has banned the distribution of a new American film called 'Barbie.' The movie includes an image of a map depicting China's territorial claims in the disputed South China Sea.

The Warner Brothers flick was set to open in Vietnamese theaters on July 21. But multiple media outlets have reported the National Film Evaluation Council decided to prohibit the movie's release.

Scenes showing a map that depicts the 'nine-dash line' are reportedly included in the film. That image is used by the Chinese government to illustrate its territorial claims in the South China Sea. Vietnam is among the countries that contest those claims.

'Barbie' is not the first movie to be banned in Vietnam for featuring the image. The council also imposed a fine on a cinema complex in the past.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson criticized Vietnam's move on Tuesday. She said China's position on the South China Sea issue is clear and consistent. She added that the relevant countries should not link the issue with cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Hanoi is wary, as Beijing has been becoming increasingly assertive about territorial disputes in the waters. US and Japanese vessels visited Vietnam last month, as Hanoi sought to underscore its deepening security ties with those nations.