Overall Highlights

• Tensions between China and Japan are escalating, particularly regarding military activities and diplomatic relations.
• China’s military drills and joint patrols with Russia are causing concern in Japan, prompting defensive measures and calls for international support.
• Japan’s declining English proficiency is highlighted, suggesting potential challenges in international diplomacy and communication.
• The U.S. continues to express strong support for Japan amidst rising tensions with China, indicating a strategic alliance in the region.
• Cultural exchanges, such as the cancellation of a Studio Ghibli show in China, reflect the ongoing strain in bilateral relations.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• China’s Foreign Minister downplays Japan’s reaction to China-Russia joint patrols, suggesting Japan is overreacting.
• China’s military drills are framed as necessary for national security, amidst accusations of Japanese militarism.
• Chinese sources emphasize the importance of maintaining a strong defense posture in the face of perceived threats from Japan and the U.S.

Japan Perspective (Japan Sources)

• Japan is concerned about China’s military activities and is seeking closer ties with the U.S. for security support.
• Reports indicate Japan’s Prime Minister made controversial remarks that may affect diplomatic relations with China.
• Japanese media highlight the need for improved English skills to enhance international communication, particularly in light of rising tensions with China.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] Japan, US defence chiefs cover radar row and other China tensions in phone call - South China Morning Post (12/12/2025)
2. [en-US] Japan’s English skills crash to record low, behind Laos and Vietnam - South China Morning Post (12/12/2025)
3. [en-US] ‘No need to be dramatic’, FM on Japan’s reaction to China-Russia joint patrol - Global Times (12/11/2025)
4. [en-US] Donald Trump left facing ‘dilemma’ as China-Japan spat worsens: analyst - South China Morning Post (12/11/2025)
5. [en-US] Hong Kong tourist arrested in Japan after crashing rental car, injuring driver - South China Morning Post (12/11/2025)
6. [en-US] WHO responds to agency chief’s alleged pledge to ‘strengthen ties’ with Taiwan - South China Morning Post (12/11/2025)
7. [en-US] US military sends show of support to Japan as China’s navy, air drills continue - South China Morning Post (12/11/2025)
8. [en-US] Glowing reviews for Urban Chic and Soul Rush ahead of Group One targets - South China Morning Post (12/11/2025)
9. [en-US] Russia’s Shoigu warns against resurgence of Japanese militarism - news.cgtn.com (12/11/2025)
10. [en-US] Studio Ghibli co-founder Miyazaki’s China show cancelled as Japan row continues - South China Morning Post (12/11/2025)
11. [en-US] China’s BYD tries to break out of mass-market trap as domestic sales stall - Nikkei Asia (12/12/2025)
12. [en-US] Nikkei Asia - Business, Politics, Economy and Tech News & Analysis - Nikkei Asia (12/12/2025)
13. [en-US] Trump and Xi have good relationship, Japan a ‘great ally’: White House - Nikkei Asia (12/11/2025)
14. [en-US] Prep materials indicate Japan PM made controversial remarks on the spot - Japan Wire by KYODO NEWS (12/11/2025)
15. [en-US] China to push state-owned AI data centers to use domestic chips - Nikkei Asia (12/11/2025)
16. [en-US] Trump’s tariffs dented US trade with Asia, but Southeast Asia imports grew - Nikkei Asia (12/11/2025)
17. [en-US] Japan trading house Itochu to buy into US solar power project - Nikkei Asia (12/11/2025)
18. [en-US] China signals investment push next year as domestic demand falters - Nikkei Asia (12/11/2025)
19. [en-US] AI giveth and taketh away and nuclear gets hot - Nikkei Asia (12/11/2025)
20. [en-US] Trump tariffs dim holiday joy for US small businesses sourcing from Asia - Nikkei Asia (12/11/2025)