Chinese nationals sanctioned for spreading false information about ethnic minorities in Vietnam’s Lao Cai

The Lao Cai police department announced on Tuesday that its external security unit, working with police in Ta Van Commune, had identified and addressed the group after they posted misleading videos about the customs, traditions, and culture of several villages in Ta Van.

On September 5, officials detected three live-streamed videos on Douyin that featured fabricated portrayals of local ethnic minority lifestyles and customs. 

Authorities said the content misrepresented community traditions and could harm the province's image, disrupt its tourism environment, and undermine public order.

After tracing the accounts behind the videos, police confirmed they were operated by a group of Chinese nationals. 

The individuals were summoned to the Ta Van Commune Police Station for questioning, and officials said professional measures were taken to address the incident in line with Vietnamese law.

The Lao Cai police department emphasized that spreading harmful, false content online, particularly about the cultural identity of ethnic minorities, violates national law and damages Lao Cai's image internationally.

Officials urged residents to remain alert and report misleading online content, adding that collective awareness plays a vital role in protecting cybersecurity and preserving the province's reputation as a safe, welcoming, and culturally rich destination.