A public opinion survey released by Japan's Asahi TV on Monday shows that a clear majority of the respondents reject the government’s assertion that domestic naphtha supply faces no disruptions, reflecting deep public skepticism amid ongoing energy concerns.
The survey, carried out between Friday and Saturday, highlighted a significant deficit of public confidence in official statements on domestic energy security, with 61 percent of the respondents rejecting the government's explanation regarding the naphtha supply.
Meanwhile, public opinion remains divided on the potential deployment of the Self Defense Forces to the Strait of Hormuz for escort missions following the U.S.-Iran conflict, with 44 percent opposing the move and 40 percent in favor.
Against this backdrop of public uncertainty, the Japanese government is quietly adjusting its defense narrative.
According to the Sankei Shimbun, Japan has begun coordinating efforts to introduce a "new defense approach" as the core concept in its upcoming revision of the three key security documents including the National Security Strategy, which is targeted for completion by the end of 2026.
The proposed strategy aims to integrate cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence and drones, into Japan's defense capabilities. To secure broader public backing for this military buildup, the government also intends to deliberately avoid overly militaristic terminology in the revised documents.
Over 60 pct of Japanese reject government's claim of sufficient naphtha supplies: poll
Overseas healthcare and medical firms, from first-time to longtime exhibitors, are using the ongoing 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai as a platform to tap China's fast-growing market and reach Asian consumers.
The CIIE, running from November 5 to 10 in Shanghai, has attracted 4,142 overseas exhibitors across more than 440,000 square meters, with over 480 exhibits making their global, Asian or China debut, the highest number in the event's history.
In the medical equipment and healthcare zone, both first-time and returning exhibitors are showcasing products and seeking deeper access to the Chinese market.
For Biosan AS, a Norwegian nutrition and health supplement brand, this year marks its CIIE debut. The company is using the Shanghai showcase to roll out seven new products for the Asian market, betting that China's rapidly expanding health sector offers the right entry point.
"This is our first time to attend the CIIE. We are introducing seven new launches to the Asian markets at this exhibition. We think the Chinese market is a really fast-growing health market, it's a great place for us to start to show the products to the Asian consumers," said a representative of Biosan AS.
For returning exhibitors, the expo has delivered tangible market growth and reinforced their confidence in deepening their presence in China.
"So we have been to CIIE many times. It definitely helps a lot as a U.S. brand to enter the Chinese market and we really appreciate the opportunities that China opening-up policies has brought us," said a U.S. exhibitor.
Another exhibitor, back for a second year, described a three- to five-fold revenue increase after its first CIIE appearance.
"We first attended the CIIE last year, and our brand's revenue grew three- to five-fold. We hope the expo will help us further expand our brand influence, win more orders and partnerships. We are also working with universities on the Chinese mainland on joint research to advance industry-academia-research integration," said the exhibitor.
Several foreign companies said that their operations in China are moving beyond simply importing overseas products: they are ramping up production investment, co-building clinical research programs and assembling fuller industrial ecosystems on the ground.
"These technologies are being rolled out from our China factories, based in the Yangtze River Delta. We are very optimistic about the Chinese market and are continuing to invest across various aspects and pursue ongoing technological iteration," said an exhibitor.
Global firms eye China's fast-growing health market at 9th CIIE
