Overall Highlights

• Japan’s defense budget has reached a record high, raising concerns among the public and analysts about militarization.
• China expresses apprehension over Japan’s potential nuclear capabilities, suggesting it could develop nuclear weapons quickly.
• Japan’s defense spending is primarily focused on equipment rather than manpower, indicating a strategic shift in military priorities.
• Public protests in Japan reflect growing unease about increasing military expenditures amidst regional tensions.
• China has restricted group tours to Japan, signaling ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nations.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• Japan’s defense budget plan has sparked public concern, indicating a shift towards militarization that could destabilize the region.
• Chinese experts believe Japan could develop nuclear weapons in less than three years, raising alarms about regional security.
• Japan’s defense minister has been criticized for exaggerating China’s military capabilities to justify Japan’s own military expansion.
• China’s media highlights public protests in Japan against the rising defense budget, suggesting domestic dissent against militarization.

Japan Perspective (Japan Sources)

• Japan’s defense spending is set to double on equipment, with only a small portion allocated for manpower, reflecting a focus on modernization.
• Public protests have erupted in Japan against the 14th consecutive increase in defense spending, highlighting societal concerns over militarization.
• Japan is earmarking significant funds to support investment in the US and nuclear power, indicating a strategic pivot in foreign policy.
• China’s recent restrictions on travel to Japan are viewed as a retaliatory measure in ongoing diplomatic disputes.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] Japan’s record defense budget plan sparks public concern - 新华网 (12/28/2025)
2. [en-US] 5.1-magnitude quake hits southeast of Honshu, Japan – GFZ - 新华网 (12/27/2025)
3. [en-US] ‘The Takaichi Fallout’: Japan’s economic predicament speaks volumes - news.cgtn.com (12/27/2025)
4. [en-US] Chinese nuclear experts believe Japan could build nukes in less than 3 years - South China Morning Post (12/27/2025)
5. [en-US] How mega-hit Kokuho could make Japanese live-action films global contenders - South China Morning Post (12/27/2025)
6. [en-US] Former Japanese PM Ishiba again criticizes remarks advocating nuclear armament - news.cgtn.com (12/27/2025)
7. [en-US] Former Japanese PM Ishiba again criticizes remarks advocating nuclear armament - 新华网 (12/27/2025)
8. [en-US] Staff pretend to be panda in ‘keeper experience tour’ in Japanese theme park to boost tourism after pandas’ departure: Japanese media - Global Times (12/27/2025)
9. [en-US] Japan’s defense budget rises for 14th straight year, triggering public protests - news.cgtn.com (12/27/2025)
10. [en-US] Japanese defense minister hypes Chinese military strength, touts alliance with US; experts say Japan misjudges situation and shifts blame to expand own military - Global Times (12/26/2025)
11. [en-US] NIKKEI Film: From a sinking island: The choice of a Tuvaluan Family - Nikkei Asia (12/27/2025)
12. [en-US] Trump tariffs spur copycat policies as countries try to limit China imports - Nikkei Asia (12/27/2025)
13. [en-US] ‘Trump class’ of mammoth battleships draw doubts as unfit for modern war - Nikkei Asia (12/27/2025)
14. [en-US] How we made it: AI video analysis of Kim Jong Un’s daughter - Nikkei Asia (12/27/2025)
15. [en-US] China orders travel agencies to slash group tours to Japan as dispute festers - The Japan Times (12/26/2025)
16. [en-US] US forces modify unit relocation from Okinawa to Guam with China in mind - 毎日新聞 (12/26/2025)
17. [en-US] Trump’s Nigeria strike draws rebuke from military experts and ‘restrainers’ - Nikkei Asia (12/26/2025)
18. [en-US] China’s ballooning debt heightens deflation risks - Nikkei Asia (12/26/2025)
19. [en-US] Japan defense spending to double on equipment, but only 10% for manpower - Nikkei Asia (12/26/2025)
20. [en-US] Japan to earmark $46bn to support investment in US, nuclear power - Nikkei Asia (12/26/2025)