Overall Highlights

• Tensions between China and Japan are escalating over Taiwan-related comments, with China demanding retraction from Japan.
• China is actively countering perceived Japanese militarism, citing historical grievances and recent political actions.
• Japan is trying to clarify its position on Taiwan to ease tensions with China, indicating a diplomatic approach amidst rising conflicts.
• Both countries are engaging in information warfare, seeking to influence public opinion in Europe and the US regarding their respective positions.
• China’s sanctions against Japanese officials highlight ongoing diplomatic strains, particularly concerning Taiwan.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• China Daily criticizes Japan’s comments on Taiwan, urging a retraction and framing it as a self-made crisis for Japan.
• Editorials in Chinese media emphasize the need to prevent a resurgence of Japanese militarism, referencing historical atrocities.
• China has released archives related to Unit 731 to remind the world of Japan’s wartime actions, reinforcing its narrative against Japanese militarism.
• China has imposed sanctions on Japanese officials for supporting Taiwan independence, signaling a strong response to perceived threats.
• The return of pandas from Japan to China is seen as a diplomatic maneuver amidst strained relations.

Japan Perspective (Japan Sources)

• Japan is attempting to clarify its stance on Taiwan to mitigate tensions with China, indicating a willingness to engage diplomatically.
• Japanese media reports on China’s sanctions against former military officials highlight concerns over China’s aggressive stance on Taiwan.
• The ongoing spat between China and Japan has evolved into an information war, with both sides trying to sway international opinion.
• Japan’s economic strategies, such as supporting chip logistics in India, reflect a focus on strengthening regional partnerships amidst tensions with China.
• Japanese outlets report on China’s diplomatic openings due to Japan’s retreat from global health funding, suggesting a shift in influence.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] UN envoy calls on Japan to retract Taiwan comments - China Daily (12/16/2025)
2. [en-US] Rather than double down on her self-made crisis, Takaichi should correct her mistakes: China Daily editorial - China Daily (12/15/2025)
3. [en-US] Preventing the resurgence of Japanese militarism is the shared will of the forces of justice: Zhong Sheng - Global Times (12/15/2025)
4. [en-US] Newly released Russia-transferred Japanese Unit 731 atrocity archives reveal human experiments, biological warfare committed by Japanese Imperial Army: FM - Global Times (12/15/2025)
5. [en-US] Twin pandas in Tokyo to return to China, potentially leaving Japan without pandas; Ueno Zoo declines to comment on matters related to China-Japan ties - Global Times (12/15/2025)
6. [en-US] Tokyo spells out part position on Taiwan in bid to ease tension with Beijing - South China Morning Post (12/15/2025)
7. [en-US] Japan’s retreat from global health funding hands China diplomatic opening - South China Morning Post (12/15/2025)
8. [en-US] China announces countermeasures against Shigeru Iwasaki over ‘Taiwan independence’ collusion, sending strong signal to Japanese politicians: expert - Global Times (12/15/2025)
9. [en-US] Japan tremors raise fears of overdue megaquake killing 199,000 - South China Morning Post (12/15/2025)
10. [en-US] China sanctions Japanese ex-military chief for ‘colluding with separatists’ - South China Morning Post (12/15/2025)
11. [en-US] Are Vietnam and Thailand helping China dodge US tariffs? - Nikkei Asia (12/15/2025)
12. [en-US] Panasonic struggles to plant seeds for growth as AI push stalls - Nikkei Asia (12/15/2025)
13. [en-US] Japan’s Nagase, Nippon Express to offer chip logistics support in India - Nikkei Asia (12/15/2025)
14. [en-US] China-Japan spat morphs into info war as both sides woo Europe, US - Nikkei Asia (12/15/2025)
15. [en-US] KKR poised to make rival bid for Japan personal care products maker Mandom - Nikkei Asia (12/15/2025)
16. [en-US] LG Electronics to promote subscription sales for home appliances in Asia - Nikkei Asia (12/15/2025)
17. [en-US] China sanctions ex-Japan SDF chief Iwasaki who serves as Taiwan adviser - Japan Wire by KYODO NEWS (12/15/2025)
18. [en-US] Malaysia Airlines parent aims for 75% revenue boost in 5-year plan - Nikkei Asia (12/15/2025)
19. [en-US] Jimmy Lai’s son urges UK to back words with action after Hong Kong verdict - Nikkei Asia (12/15/2025)
20. [en-US] Japan’s MUFG to take 20% stake in Indian nonbank Shriram Finance - Nikkei Asia (12/15/2025)