Overall Highlights

• Tensions between China and Japan are escalating, particularly over military and territorial disputes.
• China is increasingly vocal about its concerns regarding Japan’s military policies and alignment with NATO.
• Japan is preparing to ease restrictions on arms exports, which may further strain relations with China.
• Both nations are experiencing significant disruptions in travel and trade due to political tensions, with thousands of flights canceled.
• Military confrontations between coastguard ships from both countries near disputed territories continue to be reported.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• China is aligning strategically with Russia to counter Japan’s military actions and NATO ties.
• China has sent multiple letters to the UN warning against Japan’s militarism and its implications for regional stability.
• Chinese media expresses concern over Japan’s attempts to militarize and its historical context of militarism.
• A significant number of flights from China to Japan have been canceled due to ongoing political tensions, affecting over 1,900 flights in December.
• China expelled a Japanese fishing vessel for illegally entering its territorial waters, highlighting ongoing maritime disputes.

Japan Perspective (Japan Sources)

• Japan is poised to ease restrictions on lethal arms exports, indicating a shift in defense policy in response to regional threats, particularly from China.
• Japanese analysts warn that China’s advancements in military technology could surpass US capabilities, raising security concerns.
• Japan’s government is reacting to perceived threats from China’s military maneuvers and is considering strengthening its defense posture.
• Travel warnings related to China have led to significant reductions in flights to Japan, impacting tourism and business travel.
• Japanese officials express concern about the potential for prolonged tensions with China, with predictions of continued conflict over the next year.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] China, Russia conduct strategic alignment on issues related to Japan - Global Times (12/2/2025)
2. [en-US] Japan’s NATO-ization attempt stimulates security nerves of regional countries - Global Times (12/2/2025)
3. [en-US] China sends 2nd letter to UN, warns against Japan’s militarism revival - Global Times (12/2/2025)
4. [en-US] CGTN poll on Japanese PM’s remarks concerning China’s Taiwan - news.cgtn.com (12/2/2025)
5. [en-US] Takaichi’s Taiwan remarks ‘greatest challenge’ to ties, China’s UN envoy says - South China Morning Post (12/2/2025)
6. [en-US] 1,900 China-Japan flights cancelled in December as political row continues - South China Morning Post (12/2/2025)
7. [en-US] Chinese and Japanese coastguard ships confront each other near disputed islands - South China Morning Post (12/2/2025)
8. [en-US] Over 40% of planned flights from Chinese mainland to Japan for Dec canceled, totaling over 1,900 flights: platform data - Global Times (12/2/2025)
9. [en-US] Japanese fishing vessel expelled after illegally entering territorial waters of China’s Diaoyu Dao - 新华网 (12/2/2025)
10. [en-US] Chinese envoy sends second letter to UN chief, firmly refuting Japan’s unreasonable arguments over Takaichi’ erroneous remarks - Global Times (12/2/2025)
11. [en-US] China’s quantum leap will eclipse US aircraft carriers, analysts say - Nikkei Asia (12/2/2025)
12. [en-US] Japan poised to ease restrictions on lethal arms exports in 2026 - Nikkei Asia (12/2/2025)
13. [en-US] India’s move to force government app onto new smartphones stirs up furor - Nikkei Asia (12/2/2025)
14. [en-US] Taiwan prosecutors charge Tokyo Electron over alleged TSMC data breach - Nikkei Asia (12/2/2025)
15. [en-US] South Korea’s THAAD pain shows what Takaichi can expect from China - Nikkei Asia (12/2/2025)
16. [en-US] Protests forcing end to condo project targeting foreign residents - 朝日新聞 (12/2/2025)
17. [en-US] China flights slashed at Kansai Airport following travel warning - 朝日新聞 (12/2/2025)
18. [en-US] President Lee says S. Korea’s own nuclear armament ‘impossible’ - Japan Wire by KYODO NEWS (12/2/2025)
19. [en-US] China-Japan tensions may continue for a year, Taiwan foreign minister warns - The Japan Times (12/2/2025)
20. [en-US] As India’s IPO run mints billionaires, some staff wait to cash in - Nikkei Asia (12/2/2025)