Overall Highlights

• Japan is facing multiple challenges, including an avian influenza outbreak and tragic accidents at ski resorts, raising public safety concerns.
• China criticizes Japan’s stance on the one-China principle and its military expansion, reflecting ongoing geopolitical tensions.
• Japan is actively engaging in international cooperation to combat illegal fishing by Chinese vessels, indicating a proactive foreign policy stance.
• Both nations are navigating complex regional security dynamics, with China testing military readiness in the Pacific and Japan increasing its defense budget.
• Economic discussions are ongoing, with Japan focusing on investment strategies and international trade relations amidst global tensions.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• Japan reports an avian influenza outbreak in Hokkaido, which raises concerns about public health and safety.
• A tragic accident at a ski resort in Hokkaido resulted in the death of a child, highlighting safety issues in Japan’s tourism sector.
• China criticizes Japan for its inconsistent stance on the one-China principle, suggesting a lack of sincerity in diplomatic relations.
• China’s military capabilities, such as the J-15 jet, are highlighted as a response to Japan’s military expansion and regional security concerns.
• China expresses concerns over Japan’s record defense budget, viewing it as a potential threat to regional stability.

Japan Perspective (Japan Sources)

• Japan is preparing for economic growth in 2026, focusing on gold and AI investments as key areas of strength.
• The Japanese government is taking steps to assist South American countries in combating illegal Chinese fishing, reflecting its commitment to international cooperation.
• Japan’s defense budget plan has sparked public concern, indicating a domestic debate over military spending and national security.
• Reports suggest that China may be testing Japan and U.S. military readiness in the Pacific, raising alarms about regional security dynamics.
• The international order is perceived to be unraveling, with Japan navigating its foreign policy amidst rising tensions with China.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] Japan reports avian influenza outbreak in Hokkaido-Xinhua - 新华网 (12/29/2025)
2. [en-US] Child dies in travelator accident at Japan’s Hokkaido ski resort - 新华网 (12/29/2025)
3. [en-US] Japan’s doublespeak on one-China principle - China Daily (12/28/2025)
4. [en-US] A look at China’s ‘Flying Shark’ J-15 jet that made waves near Japan - South China Morning Post (12/28/2025)
5. [en-US] 5-year-old dies after ski lift accident in Hokkaido, Japan - South China Morning Post (12/28/2025)
6. [en-US] From unpunished war crimes to Japan’s modern right-wing revival - news.cgtn.com (12/28/2025)
7. [en-US] Japan’s remarks raise tensions, hurt global economy: Serbian scholar - news.cgtn.com (12/28/2025)
8. [en-US] Why are rich Chinese moving private jets offshore, slumming it in budget seats? - South China Morning Post (12/28/2025)
9. [en-US] Russian FM reiterates opposition to ‘Taiwan independence’ in any form; warns Japan to ‘weigh up’ possible consequences before taking any hasty decisions: report - Global Times (12/28/2025)
10. [en-US] Japan’s record defense budget plan sparks public concern - China Daily (12/28/2025)
11. [en-US] Investors get ready for 2026 with gold and AI rally strength in focus - Nikkei Asia (12/28/2025)
12. [en-US] Japan to help South American countries combat illegal Chinese fishing - Nikkei Asia (12/28/2025)
13. [en-US] EU to withdraw proposal to restrict carbon fiber in cars - Nikkei Asia (12/28/2025)
14. [en-US] Russia vows to support China if Taiwan contingency flares up: top diplomat - Nikkei Asia (12/28/2025)
15. [en-US] China may have tested Japan and U.S. readiness in Pacific - The Japan Times (12/28/2025)
16. [en-US] International order starts to unravel in ‘G-Minus’ world - Nikkei Asia (12/28/2025)
17. [en-US] South Korea’s Mammoth Coffee takes Tokyo by storm - Nikkei Asia (12/28/2025)
18. [en-US] NIKKEI Film: From a sinking island: The choice of a Tuvaluan Family - Nikkei Asia (12/27/2025)
19. [en-US] The lifelong pilgrimage that redefined Japan’s monarchy - Nikkei Asia (12/27/2025)
20. [en-US] Trump tariffs spur copycat policies as countries try to limit China imports - Nikkei Asia (12/27/2025)