Eagle-eyed viewers have spotted a curious discrepancy in the first trailer for "Top Gun: Maverick," the sequel to the beloved '80s classic "Top Gun," which Paramount debuted Thursday — the patches on the iconic leather jacket worn by star Tom Cruise no longer bear the Taiwanese and Japanese flags.
One possible reason for the difference could be that "Top Gun: Maverick" is being produced, in part, by Tencent Pictures, a Chinese film distributor and production company. Tencent has co-financed films like "Wonder Woman," "Kong: Skull Island," "Venom" and the upcoming "Terminator: Dark Fate."
China and Japan have long had a tumultuous relationship, and though bilateral ties have improved in recent months, the two wartime enemies continue to have grievances over historical and territorial issues.