Overall Highlights

• North Korea’s missile tests are raising regional security concerns, particularly for Japan and China.
• Japan is facing internal issues such as rising shoplifting rates and potential economic challenges, including a slide in GDP ranking.
• China is moderating its nationalist rhetoric towards Japan while simultaneously warning its nationals about travel risks to Japan.
• Both countries are closely monitoring U.S. actions and their implications for regional stability, particularly concerning military and economic strategies.
• Japan’s media highlights China’s economic resilience despite a tough economic climate.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• North Korea’s missile launches are viewed as provocative, especially ahead of a significant political event in the country.
• China is advising its citizens against traveling to Japan due to increasing security risks, reflecting concerns over rising nationalism in Japan.
• Chinese media warns against perceived Japanese militarism encroaching on cultural and social aspects, indicating ongoing tensions between the two nations.
• China is attempting to de-escalate nationalist sentiments in its relations with Japan, signaling a strategic shift in diplomatic engagement.

Japan Perspective (Japan Sources)

• Japan’s media is focused on internal issues such as rising shoplifting incidents, indicating social concerns amidst economic challenges.
• Reports suggest that Japan’s GDP ranking may decline, reflecting worries about economic performance and competitiveness.
• Japanese outlets emphasize the need for collaboration between industry and academia to bolster innovation and economic resilience.
• Japan is wary of China’s influence and actions, particularly regarding rare earths and military posturing, indicating a cautious approach to regional security.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] North Korea fires missiles ahead of major party congress - South China Morning Post (1/4/2026)
2. [en-US] Japan’s shoplifters hate a simple ‘hello’ more than cameras - South China Morning Post (1/4/2026)
3. [en-US] Why China is turning down the nationalist heat in its row with Japan - South China Morning Post (1/3/2026)
4. [en-US] Chinese Embassy in Japan again advises Chinese nationals not to travel to Japan amid rising security risks - Global Times (1/3/2026)
5. [en-US] Japanese militarism invading culture and sports, China’s Study Times warns - South China Morning Post (1/3/2026)
6. [en-US] China Daily’s ‘Shopping in China’ platform appeals to intl audiences - China Daily (1/3/2026)
7. [en-US] U.S. launches strikes on targets inside Venezuela - news.cgtn.com (1/3/2026)
8. [en-US] Japan’s reported Takaichi-Trump call aims to pull US into confrontation with China, but efforts unlikely to succeed: experts - Global Times (1/3/2026)
9. [en-US] More snow forecast for eastern, northern Japan - 新华网 (1/3/2026)
10. [en-US] Japanese media warn of a possible slide in Japan’s GDP ranking - news.cgtn.com (1/3/2026)
11. [en-US] Mock house, CIA source and special forces: The U.S. operation to capture Maduro - The Japan Times (1/4/2026)
12. [en-US] Trump snatches Maduro but leaves his regime in charge for now - The Japan Times (1/3/2026)
13. [en-US] Trump blocks chip deal, citing security and China-related concerns - Nikkei Asia (1/3/2026)
14. [en-US] Skating without ice as synthetic rinks slide into Japanese cities - Nikkei Asia (1/3/2026)
15. [en-US] Inside China’s six-decade campaign to dominate rare earths - The Japan Times (1/3/2026)
16. [en-US] BYD bets on ‘world’s 1st’ flexible-fuel plug-in hybrid in Brazil push - Nikkei Asia (1/3/2026)
17. [en-US] Thailand sees rise in luxury living for older adults - Nikkei Asia (1/2/2026)
18. [en-US] New Year’s Tokyo tuna auction seen as bellwether of Japan’s stock market - Nikkei Asia (1/2/2026)
19. [en-US] Japan to subsidize more industry-academia collaboration at universities - Nikkei Asia (1/2/2026)
20. [en-US] China’s consumer appetite still high despite tough economy: Aeon China head - Nikkei Asia (1/2/2026)