Overall Highlights

• Tensions between China and Japan are rising over Japan’s military policies and nuclear discussions.
• China views Japan’s potential nuclear armament as a significant threat, with regional implications for security.
• Japan’s government maintains a high approval rating despite controversies surrounding its military stance and historical issues.
• Both nations are closely monitoring South Korea’s diplomatic relations with Japan, which may affect regional dynamics.
• The issue of historical grievances continues to complicate relations, particularly regarding Japan’s wartime actions.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• China perceives Japan’s recent discussions about nuclear weapons as provocative and dangerous, potentially destabilizing the region.
• Chinese media criticize Japan’s Yasukuni Shrine as a symbol of militarism and historical distortion, fueling tensions.
• China suggests that Japan’s military expansion could lead to a renewed arms race in Asia, particularly in light of North Korea’s warnings.
• There is speculation that China might reward South Korea for its conciliatory approach towards Japan amidst ongoing tensions.

Japan Perspective (Japan Sources)

• Japan’s government, led by Prime Minister Takaichi, enjoys a high approval rating despite facing criticism over military policies.
• Recent polls indicate a slight dip in support for Takaichi’s Cabinet, reflecting public concern over military and foreign policy decisions.
• Japan is investing heavily in domestic AI development, signaling a focus on technological advancement amid security concerns.
• The Japanese opposition is vocal against the ruling coalition’s plans to ease arms exports, highlighting domestic political divisions over military policy.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] Blackpink for Ayumi? Why China may reward South Korea’s soft stance on Japan row - South China Morning Post (12/22/2025)
2. [en-US] Open Questions | George Yeo on superpower ‘headaches’ and why the US dollar could crack - South China Morning Post (12/21/2025)
3. [en-US] Japanese official’s ’nuclear possession’ rhetoric draws strong backlash - Global Times (12/21/2025)
4. [en-US] Japanese opposition slams ruling coalition’s plan to ease arms export - 新华网 (12/21/2025)
5. [en-US] Japan’s Yasukuni Shrine: Glorifying war and distorting history - news.cgtn.com (12/21/2025)
6. [en-US] Former Japanese PM Ishiba: Nuclear weapons would never benefit Japan - news.cgtn.com (12/21/2025)
7. [en-US] North Korea warns ‘mankind will face great disaster’ if Japan gets nuclear arms - South China Morning Post (12/21/2025)
8. [en-US] Deputy FM says Russia opposes Japan’s nuclear weapon discussions - news.cgtn.com (12/21/2025)
9. [en-US] Former Japanese PM Ishiba says possessing nuclear weapons would “never be beneficial for Japan” - 新华网 (12/21/2025)
10. [en-US] Losing ground: Japan sounds alarm over foreign-owned land - South China Morning Post (12/21/2025)
11. [en-US] Japan’s Takaichi government maintains 75% approval rating - Nikkei Asia (12/21/2025)
12. [en-US] Japan to support domestic AI development with 1 tril. yen funding: source - Japan Wire by KYODO NEWS (12/21/2025)
13. [en-US] Support rate for Japan PM Takaichi’s Cabinet dips to 67.5%: Kyodo poll - Japan Wire by KYODO NEWS (12/21/2025)
14. [en-US] Taiwan political clash puts global support at risk, foreign officials warn - Nikkei Asia (12/21/2025)
15. [en-US] Thai-Cambodia crisis meeting, new Mumbai airport, Myanmar election - Nikkei Asia (12/21/2025)
16. [en-US] South Korea ready to take preemptive measures to stabilize markets - Nikkei Asia (12/21/2025)
17. [en-US] Homegrown luxury hotels make their mark in mainland China - Nikkei Asia (12/20/2025)
18. [en-US] Japan brewer Asahi could ‘have prevented’ cyberattack, CEO says - Nikkei Asia (12/20/2025)
19. [en-US] Man who killed 3 in Taiwan knife attack wanted over military service - Japan Wire by KYODO NEWS (12/20/2025)
20. [en-US] China’s Moore Threads unveils new chip in homegrown AI race - Nikkei Asia (12/20/2025)