Japan's sweeping postwar intelligence reorganization has triggered widespread international concern, according to a new poll conducted by China Global Television Network (CGTN).
The survey came after the government of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has recently launched the National Intelligence Bureau and held the National Intelligence Council's inaugural meeting.
The new bureau, an upgrade from the Cabinet intelligence and research office, serves as the secretariat for the council, a central command body headed by the prime minister and composed of top ministers.
A CGTN global survey of 3,028 people reveals deep apprehension over Japan's new centralized intelligence agency system. It shows that 86.5 percent of respondents consider the move a major shift in Japan's postwar intelligence approach, while 77.7 percent fear the change could lead to abuse of power and a lack of oversight.
The poll also highlights that 83 percent of those surveyed believe the overhaul is likely to intensify regional intelligence rivalry and further erode fragile security trust among neighboring countries.
With Japan's intelligence network now set to integrate more closely with the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific alliance, coordinating overseas espionage, counterintelligence, and cyber intelligence, many expect Japan to provide enhanced intelligence support for its Self-Defense Forces' so-called "counterstrike capabilities."
Furthermore, 87.6 percent of respondents view Japan's latest move as a critical break from postwar constraints and a step towards remilitarization. The findings underscore a widespread call for the international community to remain alert to the potential risks posed by Japan's growing intelligence ambitions and a resurgence of neo-militarism.
CGTN poll shows concern over Japan's intelligence overhaul
Chinese box-office hit "Dear You" premiered in Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday ahead of its nationwide theatrical release, warming the hearts of numerous local viewers.
The premiere was jointly organized by Vietnamese distributors Mockingbird Pictures and Galaxy Studio, with the support of the China Cultural Center in Hanoi.
Nearly 1,000 guests, including representatives of Vietnam's film industry, cultural scholars, members of the overseas Chinese community, representatives of Chinese enterprises in Vietnam and media organizations, attended the event.
Shot entirely in the Chaoshan (Teochew) dialect, the low-budget film became a massive box-office phenomenon in China this summer, with its global box office revenues surpassing 2.1 billion yuan (about 310 million U.S. dollars) since its April 30 release.
Known in Chinese as "Love Letters to Grandma," the movie centers on remittance letters used by overseas Chinese to stay connected with their families back home from the 1940s to 1970s. Through these letters, the characters uncover memories, love and interconnected family bonds in a simple yet deeply genuine narrative.
Even before its premiere, "Dear You" had generated significant buzz across Vietnamese social media platforms.
Doan Thi Trang Anh, deputy CEO of Mockingbird Pictures, said securing the distribution rights for "Dear You" in Vietnam was a special opportunity for the company, hoping that it could bring more Chinese films to Vietnamese audiences in the future.
"We consider it a remarkable piece of work full of new and creative touches. We can see that it is more than just a movie -- it carries deep cultural and historical significance for China, while also offering a moving portrayal of the true emotional connection between a husband and wife," Doan Thi Trang Anh told China Media Group (CMG).
After the premiere, the audience responded with great enthusiasm and offered glowing reviews.
"I feel that this movie speaks to the hearts and minds of Vietnamese audiences as well," said Nguyen Tuan, an audience member.
"There are many scenes in the film that remind me of my own grandparents. it really struck a chord with me," said Thu Thuy, a Vietnamese singer who also attended the premiere.
The film is set to hit cinemas nationwide in Vietnam beginning Wednesday. It will be available in three language versions: Mandarin Chinese, Chaochan dialect, and Vietnamese to cater to different viewing preferences.
The movie has also hit the screens in several other Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Thailand and Indonesia.
Chinese film 'Dear You' resonates with Vietnamese audience at premiere
