Overall Highlights

• Tensions between China and Japan are influenced by historical grievances and contemporary political maneuvers.
• China views Japan’s military exports and remarks on Taiwan as provocative and undermining regional stability.
• Japan is concerned about China’s labor practices and its growing influence in global markets.
• Both nations are experiencing a decline in tourism and air travel bookings, impacting their economies.
• Cultural exchanges continue, but incidents like the interruption of a Japanese singer in China highlight ongoing sensitivities.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan are seen as a calculated move to gain domestic support in Japan.
• Japan’s missile export plans to the Philippines are criticized as a departure from its pacifist constitution, potentially destabilizing the region.
• Chinese travelers are increasingly avoiding Japan, opting for destinations like Singapore instead, indicating a shift in public sentiment.
• The historical narrative of Ryukyu as a Chinese vassal state is emphasized to assert historical claims over the region.
• Air travel bookings between China and Japan are declining, affecting retail sectors in both countries.

Japan Perspective (Japan Sources)

• China’s labor model is criticized as unfair and is perceived as a threat to global labor standards.
• Japanese media reports on Chinese barriers affecting K-pop entertainment agencies highlight economic tensions.
• Japan is wary of China’s growing influence in pharmaceuticals and other global markets.
• Cultural events, such as the interruption of a Japanese singer in Shanghai, reflect ongoing tensions in cultural exchanges.
• Japan’s concerns about China’s military ambitions are echoed in discussions about regional security and stability.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] Takaichi’s controversial Taiwan remarks likely deliberate bid to boost domestic popularity: ex-Singapore FM - Global Times (12/1/2025)
2. [en-US] By cutting Japanese studies, is US risking ties with key Indo-Pacific ally? - South China Morning Post (12/1/2025)
3. [en-US] Japan’s reported Type 03 missile export plan to Philippines breaks away from pacifist constitution, could undermine regional peace: expert - Global Times (11/30/2025)
4. [en-US] Brighton’s post featuring Japanese WWII soldier ‘not approved,’ English Premier League tells GT - Global Times (11/30/2025)
5. [en-US] Opinion | Trump’s world view offers Beijing a window of opportunity on Taiwan - South China Morning Post (11/30/2025)
6. [en-US] Why do Chinese no longer feel the need to boycott Japanese products? - South China Morning Post (11/30/2025)
7. [en-US] Ryukyu-related edict exhibited in Dalian, revealing key historical facts of Ryukyu as Chinese vassal state - Global Times (11/30/2025)
8. [en-US] China-Japan air booking continues to drop in December, ripples reaching retail sector - Global Times (11/30/2025)
9. [en-US] Why report on ship sunk in WWII may test South Korea-Japan ties - South China Morning Post (11/30/2025)
10. [en-US] Singapore becomes Plan B for Chinese travellers giving Japan a wide berth - South China Morning Post (11/30/2025)
11. [en-US] Chinese barriers rattle K-pop entertainment agency shares - Nikkei Asia (11/30/2025)
12. [en-US] China’s unfair labor model is going global - The Japan Times (11/30/2025)
13. [en-US] Pakistan’s trade war with Afghanistan boomerangs on its economy - Nikkei Asia (11/30/2025)
14. [en-US] Macron visits China, Putin in India, South Korea martial law anniversary - Nikkei Asia (11/30/2025)
15. [en-US] From poker to Pokemon, Hong Kong crypto stockpilers rebrand - Nikkei Asia (11/30/2025)
16. [en-US] Calls for accountability over deadly Hong Kong fire silenced - The Japan Times (11/30/2025)
17. [en-US] “Little Middle East” emerges in Guangzhou as China courts emerging markets - Japan Wire by KYODO NEWS (11/30/2025)
18. [en-US] China holds all the cards in global pharmaceuticals - The Japan Times (11/30/2025)
19. [en-US] Non-state actors grow as COP30 ends without striking agreements as usual - Nikkei Asia (11/29/2025)
20. [en-US] Japanese “One Piece” singer stopped mid-performance in Shanghai event - Japan Wire by KYODO NEWS (11/29/2025)