Overall Highlights

• Tensions between China and Japan are escalating, particularly regarding military activities and airspace incursions.
• China accuses Japan of exaggerating threats to justify military cooperation with the U.S.
• Japan expresses concern over Chinese military drills and airspace violations, leading to heightened defense readiness.
• Cultural and historical grievances continue to affect diplomatic relations, with both sides using historical narratives to support their positions.
• Economic interactions remain complex, with some Chinese airlines extending refund offers for flights to Japan amid rising tensions.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• Japan’s defense ministry claims to have spotted the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning near its waters, which China views as an exaggeration to hype U.S. military activities.
• China urges Japan to fulfill its obligations as a WWII defeated country, indicating ongoing historical grievances.
• Chinese officials downplay Japan’s concerns over military activities, suggesting that Japan is overreacting to China’s legitimate defense maneuvers.
• Recent cultural relics and historical materials released by China highlight Japanese wartime actions, reinforcing China’s narrative on historical injustices.

Japan Perspective (Japan Sources)

• Japan’s defense ministry reports that Chinese fighters have targeted its Self-Defense Force (SDF) jets with radar lock-ons, indicating a serious security threat.
• Japan scrambles jets in response to Chinese aircraft carrier drills in the Pacific, reflecting a proactive defense posture.
• Concerns are raised in Japan about the implications of Chinese military actions for regional stability and security.
• Japan issues a safety advisory for its citizens in China ahead of the Nanking Massacre anniversary, highlighting ongoing sensitivities around historical issues.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] Japanese defense ministry claims spotting aircraft carrier Liaoning near Japan; ‘Why wouldn’t Japan hype US military activities? ’ expert asks - Global Times (12/6/2025)
2. [en-US] One-Punch Man and the human cost of Japan and South Korea’s soft power - South China Morning Post (12/6/2025)
3. [en-US] Major Chinese airlines extend full refund offers for Japan flights by 3 months - South China Morning Post (12/5/2025)
4. [en-US] Japan repeats clichéd claims in 2nd letter to UN chief in bid to mislead intl community - Global Times (12/5/2025)
5. [en-US] ‘China (Taiwan)’ on South Korea tourist arrival card prompts protest from Taipei - South China Morning Post (12/5/2025)
6. [en-US] China urges Japan to meet its obligations as WWII defeated country - 新华网 (12/5/2025)
7. [en-US] ‘No need to overact,’ Chinese FM responds to ‘Japan’s concerns over China’s military activities’ - Global Times (12/5/2025)
8. [en-US] Why Beijing thinks Japan PM Takaichi’s Taiwan remarks challenge post-war order - South China Morning Post (12/5/2025)
9. [en-US] New batch of cultural relics, historical materials reflecting Japanese invaders’ crimes in China made public - Global Times (12/5/2025)
10. [en-US] Asia News Wrap: Over 1,200 deaths from floods across Asia, and more - news.cgtn.com (12/5/2025)
11. [en-US] Chinese fighters target SDF jets with radar lock-on, Japan says - The Japan Times (12/6/2025)
12. [en-US] Chinese fighter targets Japan SDF jet with radar, Defense Ministry says - Nikkei Asia (12/6/2025)
13. [en-US] Japan’s Sushiro opens to 14-hour wait times in Shanghai - Nikkei Asia (12/6/2025)
14. [en-US] China aircraft carrier conducts drills in Pacific, Japan scrambles jets - Japan Wire by KYODO NEWS (12/6/2025)
15. [en-US] Trump’s appetite for Russian appeasement puts the world at risk - Nikkei Asia (12/6/2025)
16. [en-US] Hong Kong warns foreign news media over fire coverage - Nikkei Asia (12/6/2025)
17. [en-US] Job requests for China-hating videos removed from website - 朝日新聞 (12/6/2025)
18. [en-US] Japan issues safety advisory in China ahead of Nanking Massacre anniversary - The Japan Times (12/6/2025)
19. [en-US] Trump security strategy demands more from Japan while unveiling ‘burden-sharing network’ - The Japan Times (12/6/2025)
20. [en-US] Japan and South Korea avoid ‘Group of Death’ at the 2026 World Cup - Nikkei Asia (12/6/2025)