Myanmar president highlights China's film technology, cooperation potential

Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing highlighted China's advances in film and television production, noting the upgrading of its technology and the potential for cooperation in the sector, during an interview with the China Media Group on Wednesday.

Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Beijing on Monday for a five-day state visit. It was the Myanmar leader's first state visit to China since taking office as president, and came as the two countries mark 76 years of diplomatic ties.

Min Aung Hlaing and his wife attended the "2026 Chinese Film Week," an event jointly held in Nay Pyi Taw by China Media Group and the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar to mark the 76th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. They watched "Lighting Up the Stars," a Chinese sentimental drama that left a lasting impression on the Myanmar president.

"The film was very well made. It portrayed the inner emotions of the characters in a very delicate way. What impressed me deeply was China's highly sophisticated film and television production technology, including the actors' performances, filming locations, props and sound effects. All of these were very good. Myanmar has a large cohort of film lovers, and I sometimes attend film events as well. Art can inspire and touch people, so films have very important value. Myanmar and China have potential for cooperation in the field of film," the president said.

The president explained why the film struck a personal chord, pointing to its portrayal of family warmth and the natural performances that conveyed delicate emotions.

"In the film, I felt the warmth of parents toward their children and the careful guidance a father gives to a child. The story follows the male protagonist and a little girl who unexpectedly comes into his life, from their first encounter and companionship to the gradual process of understanding and adapting to each other. Through this journey, the film gives full expression to that delicate emotional bond. The film is shot in a very natural way. The performances did not seem performed at all, and this could not have been achieved without refined filmmaking techniques," he said.

Myanmar president highlights China's film technology, cooperation potential

More than 10,000 people gathered outside Japan's National Diet in Tokyo on Friday to protest the government's moves toward expanding military capabilities and revising the country's pacifist constitution.

On June 9, Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party approved a draft proposal on revising the country's three key security documents later this year, according to Kyodo News. The proposal, formalized at the party's decision-making General Council, called for securing necessary funding to transform Japan's defense capabilities within five years.

Some other conservative parties in Japan also proposed amendments to Article 9 of the constitution -- the "peace clause" that renounces war and bans "war potential", during constitutional review meetings.

"I was taught when I was young that Article 9 of the constitution is very important for keeping Japan from becoming involved in war. Now the sudden move to revise it makes me feel fearful. So to express my feelings, I came here to protest the revision," said a protester.

The protest also targeted specific policy proposals, including potential changes to restrictions that limit arms exports.

As far as the issues of war and weapons exports are concerned, Japan has followed its own historical path since the end of World War II. But what [Prime Minister Sanae] Takaichi is trying to do now is to reset this period of history back to zero. Unfortunately, some people support this approach, but I do not. I hope Japan will not take that [terrible] step again," said a protester.

"If we continue to strengthen military power, it will only worsen Japan's relations with neighboring countries. The government should not take this approach," said another protester.

Thousands protest against Japan's military expansion, constitutional revision