Overall Highlights

• Japan is facing scrutiny for its military buildup and rising defense spending, which China views as a threat.
• China accuses Japan of escalating tensions in the region, particularly regarding military capabilities in space.
• Cultural exchanges, such as Japan’s edible boot souvenirs, highlight softer aspects of Japan-China relations amid political tensions.
• Japan is increasingly engaging with Central Asia, indicating a shift in its foreign policy focus.
• Both nations are navigating complex geopolitical landscapes, with Japan seeking stronger alliances and China responding with caution.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• China’s military warns that Japan’s military expansion raises the risk of a space arms race.
• China criticizes Japan’s intentions for military buildup, viewing it as a resurgence of militarism.
• Chinese media highlight Japan’s anti-China sentiment and campaigns as a growing concern.
• China expresses skepticism about Japan’s cultural initiatives, seeing them as overshadowed by military actions.

Japan Perspective (Japan Sources)

• Japan’s government is considering the need for nuclear capabilities amid regional security concerns.
• Japanese outlets report on the importance of strengthening ties with Central Asia, reflecting a proactive foreign policy.
• Japan’s rising defense budget is a response to perceived threats from China, emphasizing national security priorities.
• Cultural incidents, such as the controversy over a Finnish beauty queen’s photos, reveal ongoing sensitivities in Japan’s international image.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] Japan city launches edible-looking boot souvenirs just like Taiwan braised pork rice - South China Morning Post (12/19/2025)
2. [en-US] China’s military accuses Japan of raising ‘space arms race’ risk - South China Morning Post (12/18/2025)
3. [en-US] China warns about Japan’s intended military buildup - China Daily - Global Edition (12/18/2025)
4. [en-US] Column: Under the banner of resurgent militarism, Japan teeters on the brink - 新华网 (12/18/2025)
5. [en-US] Who is behind the anti-China campaign in Japan? - China Daily (12/18/2025)
6. [en-US] Japan dismayed over Finnish beauty queen’s ‘slanted eyes’ photos - South China Morning Post (12/18/2025)
7. [en-US] TV drama uncovers the dark history of Japan’s Unit 731 - news.cgtn.com (12/18/2025)
8. [en-US] Steppe in the right direction? ‘Japan is back’ in Central Asia with new summit - South China Morning Post (12/18/2025)
9. [en-US] 1 arrested after currency exchange staff robbed of 1 billion yen in Hong Kong - South China Morning Post (12/18/2025)
10. [en-US] Japan’s rising defense spend stirs concern - China Daily - Global Edition (12/18/2025)
11. [en-US] Saudi Aramco begins to tap one of world’s largest shale gas fields - Nikkei Asia (12/18/2025)
12. [en-US] Japan needs to possess nuclear weapons: PM office source - Nikkei Asia (12/18/2025)
13. [en-US] Emperor meets with Kazakh president at Imperial Palace - The Japan Times (12/18/2025)
14. [en-US] Toyota to import 3 US-made models into Japan from 2026 - Nikkei Asia (12/18/2025)
15. [en-US] Thais bomb military targets and scam centers near Cambodian city of Poipet - Nikkei Asia (12/18/2025)
16. [en-US] Central Asia’s geopolitical weight rises as Japan plans first summit - Nikkei Asia (12/18/2025)
17. [en-US] China voices support for Venezuela, pushing back against Trump - Nikkei Asia (12/18/2025)
18. [en-US] Malaysia’s data center boom and TSMC’s Arizona acceleration - Nikkei Asia (12/18/2025)
19. [en-US] Could a strategic lithium reserve kickstart US supply chain development? - Nikkei Asia (12/18/2025)
20. [en-US] Why the push for a stronger yuan won’t go away - The Japan Times (12/18/2025)