Overall Highlights

• Tensions between China and Japan are escalating, particularly over Taiwan and military developments.
• China is concerned about Japan’s military ambitions and its alliance with the US, especially under Trump’s leadership.
• Japan is wary of China’s growing influence and military capabilities, particularly in the context of regional security.
• Both nations are engaged in diplomatic maneuvers to address tensions, with Japan seeking to ease relations while China pushes back against perceived threats.
• The geopolitical landscape is complicated by the involvement of other nations, such as South Korea, which aims to mediate tensions.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• China views Japan’s military base construction as a sign of rising militarism and a potential threat to regional stability.
• China is actively working to diplomatically isolate Japan amid ongoing tensions over Taiwan, indicating a strategic approach to counter Japan’s influence.
• China’s advancements in military technology, such as anti-submarine drones, are raising concerns in Japan and the US, highlighting a competitive military landscape.
• China and Russia are aligning against what they perceive as Japanese militarism, emphasizing a united front in regional security matters.

Japan Perspective (Japan Sources)

• Japan is concerned about China’s diplomatic efforts to isolate it, particularly in the context of the Taiwan issue.
• Japanese officials express apprehension regarding China’s military advancements and their implications for national security.
• Japan is focusing on strengthening its military capabilities and alliances, particularly with the US, in response to perceived threats from China.
• Japan’s government is attempting to manage tensions with China while also addressing domestic concerns about military expansion.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] Trump’s ‘terrible, stupid’ decisions test 8-decade bonds of US-Japan alliance - South China Morning Post (12/4/2025)
2. [en-US] Trump’s second term ‘harmful’ for Quad nations, poll finds - South China Morning Post (12/3/2025)
3. [en-US] Is China’s rapid anti-submarine drone progress adding to concerns of Japan, US? - South China Morning Post (12/3/2025)
4. [en-US] What insights can today’s Ryukyu studies in China offer into historical memory and contemporary interpretations? - Global Times (12/3/2025)
5. [en-US] Japan’s Sanae Takaichi moves to ease weeks of tensions with China over the Taiwan Strait - South China Morning Post (12/3/2025)
6. [en-US] China, Russia united against ‘Japanese militarism’ as Wang Yi, Shoigu meet - South China Morning Post (12/3/2025)
7. [en-US] Japan’s military base construction on Mageshima Island revealed by media; expert says move raises alarms over Tokyo’s military ambition - Global Times (12/3/2025)
8. [en-US] US lifts China sentiment, but tensions cloud outlook in Japan: report - South China Morning Post (12/3/2025)
9. [en-US] Taking sides would only escalate the conflict: President Lee responds when asked if ROK willing to express support for Japan - Global Times (12/3/2025)
10. [en-US] Japan sympathises as 79-year-old kills mother, 100, out of exhaustion - South China Morning Post (12/3/2025)
11. [en-US] Nvidia’s Jensen Huang warns of China’s AI ‘belt and road’ ambitions - Nikkei Asia (12/3/2025)
12. [en-US] Rare earth prices remain sky-high despite US-China deal - Nikkei Asia (12/3/2025)
13. [en-US] Japan robot makers focus on function over form in humanoid machines - Nikkei Asia (12/3/2025)
14. [en-US] China unleashes diplomatic campaign to isolate Japan amid Taiwan row - The Japan Times (12/3/2025)
15. [en-US] South Korea wants to help lower Japan-China tensions: President Lee - Japan Wire by KYODO NEWS (12/3/2025)
16. [en-US] Taiwan defense budget seeks ‘porcupine’ China deterrent: 5 things to know - Nikkei Asia (12/3/2025)
17. [en-US] How Japan can draw on South Korea’s experience in spat with China - Nikkei Asia (12/3/2025)
18. [en-US] The AI frenzy is driving a new global supply chain crisis - The Japan Times (12/3/2025)
19. [en-US] Affiliates of nine Japan firms sue U.S. government over Trump tariffs - The Japan Times (12/3/2025)
20. [en-US] The AI frenzy is driving a new global supply chain crisis - 朝日新聞 (12/3/2025)