Overall Highlights

• China and Japan are experiencing heightened tensions over military and nuclear issues, with both sides issuing warnings to each other.
• Economic exchanges continue, as evidenced by the launch of a Japanese sushi chain in Shanghai, despite political tensions.
• Japan reaffirms its non-nuclear stance amidst discussions about nuclear armament, while China criticizes Japan’s military buildup plans.
• Japan’s economic situation shows signs of strain, with rising government bond yields, contrasting with China’s military expansion concerns.
• China’s influence in the Pacific raises alarms in the US, indicating broader geopolitical implications for both nations.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• The launch of a Japanese sushi chain in Shanghai is seen as a positive sign for economic exchanges despite political tensions.
• China warns Japan against its military buildup plans, emphasizing concerns over regional security.
• China expresses serious concern over a senior Japanese official’s remarks about nuclear weapons, urging Japan to adhere to international norms.
• China’s military expansion is framed as a response to perceived threats from Japan and the US, highlighting a defensive posture.
• China’s rebuilding of a Micronesian airport runway is viewed as a strategic move that raises alarms in the US, showing its growing influence in the region.

Japan Perspective (Japan Sources)

• Japan reaffirms its commitment to a non-nuclear stance following controversial remarks from a senior official about nuclear armament.
• Japan’s government bond yields have reached a 26-year high, indicating economic challenges that may affect its financial stability.
• Japan is concerned about China’s military buildup, which it believes could seriously impact its national security.
• Japan’s response to China’s military actions includes calls for increased defense capabilities, reflecting a shift in its security policy.
• Japan’s relations with Europe are improving as they distance themselves from China’s aggressive stance, indicating a potential shift in alliances.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] Politics fails to dampen launch of Japanese sushi chain in Shanghai - South China Morning Post (12/20/2025)
2. [en-US] China’s rebuilding of Micronesian airport runway raises alarm in US - South China Morning Post (12/19/2025)
3. [en-US] Japanese business rep asks to send delegation to China citing importance of economic exchanges; no response from China yet: media - Global Times (12/19/2025)
4. [en-US] WWII’s Forgotten Trial: Japan’s Unit 731 was convicted in Khabarovsk over human experimentation and bioweapons - news.cgtn.com (12/19/2025)
5. [en-US] China warns Japan against military buildup plans - news.cgtn.com (12/19/2025)
6. [en-US] China’s military build-up could ‘seriously’ affect Japan’s security, Tokyo warns - South China Morning Post (12/19/2025)
7. [en-US] If information is true, it’s quite serious: Chinese FM on senior Japanese official’s claim that ‘Japan should possess nuclear weapons’ - Global Times (12/19/2025)
8. [en-US] Japan’s 10-year gov’t bond yield rises to 26-year high - 新华网 (12/19/2025)
9. [en-US] China urges Japan to stop challenging int’l bottom line with its nuclear ambitions - 新华网 (12/19/2025)
10. [en-US] ‘Limits’ to hospitality: 10 times Asia overtourism became a problem in 2025 - South China Morning Post (12/19/2025)
11. [en-US] 3 dead, 6 injured in smoke grenade, knife attacks in Taipei - Japan Wire by KYODO NEWS (12/19/2025)
12. [en-US] Foxconn unit to buy Taiwan auto brand in push to become full-on EV maker - Nikkei Asia (12/19/2025)
13. [en-US] Nidec founder Nagamori resigns as director to improve internal management - Nikkei Asia (12/19/2025)
14. [en-US] Asian battery and car makers retune EV strategies as demand softens - Nikkei Asia (12/19/2025)
15. [en-US] Japan reaffirms non-nuclear stance after official’s nuclear weapon remark - Nikkei Asia (12/19/2025)
16. [en-US] India’s ICICI Prudential Asset Management rises 20% in trading debut - Nikkei Asia (12/19/2025)
17. [en-US] TikTok agrees on deal with Oracle, other investors to avoid US ban - Nikkei Asia (12/19/2025)
18. [en-US] Sony Group strikes $460m deal to acquire majority stake in Snoopy’s owner - Nikkei Asia (12/19/2025)
19. [en-US] Thailand says Cambodia border fight is also a war on scammers - The Japan Times (12/19/2025)
20. [en-US] Europe edges away from China as Beijing’s campaign against Japan backfires - Nikkei Asia (12/19/2025)