Overall Highlights

• Tensions between China and Japan are escalating due to remarks made by Japanese officials regarding Taiwan.
• China is critical of Japan’s handling of Taiwan comments and has dismissed potential US mediation in the dispute.
• Japan is concerned about the impact of China’s aggressive stance on its cultural and economic interests.
• Both nations are navigating complex diplomatic relations amid rising nationalism and historical grievances.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• China warns that a paper-eating pest could damage Japan’s cultural heritage, framing it as a potential crisis for Japan.
• The Chinese defense ministry has responded strongly to Japan’s military actions, labeling them as dangerous moves.
• China is unlikely to ease its stance on Japan following comments made by Japanese Minister Takaichi regarding Taiwan, viewing them as provocative.
• China has dismissed US mediation efforts in the Japan-China dispute, labeling it an internal affair.
• Chinese officials criticize Japan’s attempts to downplay Takaichi’s remarks, calling it self-deceptive.

Japan Perspective (Japan Sources)

• Japan is actively seeking to manage the fallout from Takaichi’s controversial remarks about Taiwan, with discussions involving former US President Trump.
• There is a rising concern in Japan about the economic implications of China’s actions, as evidenced by reports of significant losses among Chinese companies.
• Japan’s language education sector is thriving, with a record number of learners, indicating a growing interest in Japanese culture despite political tensions.
• Former Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba has publicly criticized Takaichi’s comments, reflecting internal dissent regarding Japan’s diplomatic approach to China.

Sources

This summary is based on 20 articles from the following sources:

1. [en-US] A paper-eating invasive pest could wreak havoc on Japan’s cultural treasures - South China Morning Post (11/28/2025)
2. [en-US] Chinese defense ministry responds intensively to Japan’s dangerous moves - Global Times (11/27/2025)
3. [en-US] Why Beijing is unlikely to ease up on Japan over Takaichi’s Taiwan comments - South China Morning Post (11/27/2025)
4. [en-US] ‘Internal affair’: China dismisses reported US mediation in Japan row - South China Morning Post (11/27/2025)
5. [en-US] Japan’s attempt to downplay, fob off, or cover up Takaichi’s erroneous remarks regarding Taiwan is self-deceptive: Chinese spokesperson - 新华网 (11/27/2025)
6. [en-US] Opinion | No Calandagan leaves Hong Kong Cup wanting, but HKIR fields still excite - South China Morning Post (11/27/2025)
7. [en-US] Takaichi’s claim of ’theory of undetermined Taiwan status’ shows she remains unrepentant; ‘San Francisco Peace Treaty’ illegal, invalid: Chinese FM - Global Times (11/27/2025)
8. [en-US] China warns against Japan travel citing ‘significant’ surge in assaults - South China Morning Post (11/27/2025)
9. [en-US] Former Japanese PM Ishiba again criticizes Takaichi’s Taiwan remarks - news.cgtn.com (11/27/2025)
10. [en-US] 13 new Hong Kong restaurants to try in December 2025, from Japanese to steak - South China Morning Post (11/27/2025)
11. [en-US] Trump and Takaichi discussed Taiwan remarks, how to calm China: sources - Nikkei Asia (11/27/2025)
12. [en-US] Record 24% of Chinese companies post losses in January-September - Nikkei Asia (11/27/2025)
13. [en-US] Trump conveyed concerns to PM Takaichi over Japan-China rift: source - Japan Wire by KYODO NEWS (11/27/2025)
14. [en-US] No. of Japanese language learners rises to record 290,000 in Japan - Japan Wire by KYODO NEWS (11/27/2025)
15. [en-US] The man who changed Foxconn and graphite ambitions in the US - Nikkei Asia (11/27/2025)
16. [en-US] China’s Li Auto, Nio flag slower sales as government cuts EV incentives - Nikkei Asia (11/27/2025)
17. [en-US] Mitsubishi Materials bets on recycling copper in Europe to curb China risk - Nikkei Asia (11/27/2025)
18. [en-US] Japanese spring maker to invest $64m to make EV motor cores in India - Nikkei Asia (11/27/2025)
19. [en-US] Spat with Japan clouds anime boom’s momentum in China - The Japan Times (11/27/2025)
20. [en-US] Trump asked Takaichi to avoid escalating dispute with China, sources say - The Japan Times (11/27/2025)