Overall Highlights

• Tensions between China and Japan continue to rise, particularly regarding military exercises and territorial disputes.
• Japan’s potential nuclear armament is a contentious issue, with differing views on its necessity and implications.
• China’s technological advancements, particularly in the automotive sector, are seen as a challenge to Japan’s traditional dominance.
• Japan faces internal challenges, including economic performance and public safety incidents, which may impact its international standing.
• Both countries are navigating complex diplomatic relations, with differing narratives on issues like Taiwan and military preparedness.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• Japan’s strategic challenges are primarily internal, focusing on its future and the implications of its military policies.
• Former Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya cautions against aggressive rhetoric regarding Taiwan, indicating a desire for diplomatic solutions.
• China views Japan’s discussions about nuclear capabilities as contradictory and potentially destabilizing in the region.
• China’s military exercises are framed as necessary for national security, contrasting with Japan’s concerns about regional stability.
• China’s advancements in technology and military capabilities are highlighted as a response to perceived threats from Japan and the US.

Japan Perspective (Japan Sources)

• Japan is concerned about China’s increasing military presence and capabilities, particularly the projection of power in the Pacific.
• Reports indicate that China may outnumber the US in aircraft carriers by 2035, raising alarms in Japan about regional security.
• Japanese companies are reacting to China’s military maneuvers by investing in rare earth resources, indicating a strategic economic response.
• Japan’s media emphasizes the need for a robust defense strategy in light of China’s military exercises around Taiwan.
• Japan’s economic sectors, particularly automotive, are facing competition from China’s rapidly growing brands, prompting calls for innovation and adaptation.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] Japan’s own future is its true strategic challenge - China Daily (12/30/2025)
2. [en-US] Those in positions of responsibility for diplomacy shouldn’t shout loudly about a ‘Taiwan contingency,’ says former Japanese FM Iwaya in interview - Global Times (12/29/2025)
3. [en-US] Japan as a nuclear power, China’s first female C919 captain: 5 weekend reads - South China Morning Post (12/29/2025)
4. [en-US] Japan reports avian influenza outbreak in Hokkaido - 新华网 (12/29/2025)
5. [en-US] Child dies in travelator accident at Japan’s Hokkaido ski resort - 新华网 (12/29/2025)
6. [en-US] Japan’s doublespeak on one-China principle - China Daily (12/28/2025)
7. [en-US] Why Japan cannot and must not go nuclear - news.cgtn.com (12/28/2025)
8. [en-US] GT Voice: NEC’s 5G difficulties expose deeper problems in Japan’s telecom sector - Global Times (12/28/2025)
9. [en-US] A look at China’s ‘Flying Shark’ J-15 jet that made waves near Japan - South China Morning Post (12/28/2025)
10. [en-US] 5-year-old dies after ski lift accident in Hokkaido, Japan - South China Morning Post (12/28/2025)
11. [en-US] Meta says AI startup Manus to cut China ties after acquisition - Nikkei Asia (12/30/2025)
12. [en-US] China aircraft carriers set to outnumber US in Pacific by 2035: analysts - Nikkei Asia (12/29/2025)
13. [en-US] Mizuho may reach 10% ROE target in fiscal 2025, 2 years early: president - Nikkei Asia (12/29/2025)
14. [en-US] China auto brands to top 2025 global sales, overtaking Japanese rivals - Nikkei Asia (12/29/2025)
15. [en-US] Japan rare earth-related stock surges as China stages war games - Nikkei Asia (12/29/2025)
16. [en-US] China announces ‘major’ military exercises around Taiwan - The Japan Times (12/29/2025)
17. [en-US] Takaichi, Mario, baseball and the Year of the Fire Horse - The Japan Times (12/29/2025)
18. [en-US] South Korea’s ex-first lady accused of taking over $200,000 in bribes - The Japan Times (12/29/2025)
19. [en-US] China’s BYD poised to overtake Tesla in 2025 EV sales - The Japan Times (12/29/2025)
20. [en-US] China’s Zhipu and MiniMax race to go public ahead of OpenAI and Anthropic - Nikkei Asia (12/29/2025)