Overall Highlights

• Japan’s defense budget has reached a record 9 trillion yen, reflecting growing military ambitions amid regional tensions.
• China criticizes Japan’s defense spending as a revival of militarism, urging Japan to reflect on its historical aggressions.
• Travel restrictions imposed by China on group tours to Japan signal escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
• Japan is increasing its investment in technology sectors like AI and chips, which may be seen as a counter to China’s technological advancements.
• Both nations are engaged in a war of words regarding military and historical issues, with each side accusing the other of aggressive posturing.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• China’s media describes Japan’s increased defense budget as a sign of ’neo-militarism’ and a threat to regional stability.
• Chinese officials criticize Japan’s military spending and urge Japan to reflect on its history of aggression.
• China opposes Japan’s actions in the cyber field and warns against further militarization.
• China has ordered travel agencies to reduce group tours to Japan, indicating a response to ongoing tensions.
• Chinese sources emphasize the need for Japan to avoid making historical mistakes, particularly regarding its militarist past.

Japan Perspective (Japan Sources)

• Japan’s defense budget has surpassed 9 trillion yen for the first time, reflecting a shift towards increased military readiness.
• Amid rising tensions with China, Japan is also investing heavily in technology sectors, including AI and nuclear power.
• Japan’s media reports on China’s ballooning debt and economic challenges, highlighting concerns about China’s stability.
• Japanese sources note that China has restricted travel to Japan, which may impact bilateral relations and tourism.
• Japan is focused on strengthening alliances, particularly with the US, to counter perceived threats from China.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] With its defense spending skyrocketing, emergence of Japan’s ‘neo-militarism’ accelerates: Global Times editorial - Global Times (12/26/2025)
2. [en-US] China criticizes Japan’s record defense budget plan - 新华网 (12/26/2025)
3. [en-US] Japan stabbing rampage leaves 15 injured at Yokohama rubber factory - South China Morning Post (12/26/2025)
4. [en-US] Chinese FM spokesperson responds to Japanese leader’s possible Yasukuni Shrine visit, urging Japanese side not to make further mistakes - Global Times (12/26/2025)
5. [en-US] China firmly opposes Japan’s dangerous moves in cyber field: spokesperson - 新华网 (12/26/2025)
6. [en-US] China urges Japan to reflect on history of aggression - 新华网 (12/26/2025)
7. [en-US] Russia condemns Japan’s whitewashing of militarist crimes - news.cgtn.com (12/26/2025)
8. [en-US] Russia condemns Japan’s whitewashing of militarist crimes - 新华网 (12/26/2025)
9. [en-US] Japan’s defense budget tops record 9 trillion yen for fiscal 2026 - news.cgtn.com (12/26/2025)
10. [en-US] Militarism revival efforts criticized - China Daily (12/26/2025)
11. [en-US] China orders travel agencies to slash group tours to Japan as dispute festers - The Japan Times (12/26/2025)
12. [en-US] China’s ballooning debt heightens deflation risks - Nikkei Asia (12/26/2025)
13. [en-US] Japan to earmark $46bn to support investment in US, nuclear power - Nikkei Asia (12/26/2025)
14. [en-US] China Vanke gets approval for grace period extension on 2nd bond - Nikkei Asia (12/26/2025)
15. [en-US] It can still be Asia’s century - Nikkei Asia (12/26/2025)
16. [en-US] Amid China tensions, Japan’s defense budget tops ¥9 trillion for first time - The Japan Times (12/26/2025)
17. [en-US] Japan to quadruple spending support for chips and AI in budget - The Japan Times (12/26/2025)
18. [en-US] China fixes yuan at strongest rate against dollar in over a year - Nikkei Asia (12/26/2025)
19. [en-US] Vietnam’s tech transfers haven’t risen despite export surge: report - Nikkei Asia (12/26/2025)
20. [en-US] Hyatt eyes China joint ventures to revive growth amid slowdown - Nikkei Asia (12/26/2025)