Overall Highlights

• A fire incident occurred near Tsutenkaku Tower in Osaka, Japan, drawing media attention.
• China’s export controls on Japan are deemed lawful by Chinese sources, reflecting ongoing trade tensions.
• Japan is concerned about China’s influence in regional politics, particularly regarding Myanmar’s elections.
• Both countries are experiencing economic pressures, with Japan facing a decline in foreign visitors, especially from China.
• China’s CPI rose by 0.8% in December, indicating some economic stability amid external pressures.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• A fire broke out near Tsutenkaku Tower in Osaka, Japan, reported by Xinhua.
• China Daily claims that export controls imposed by Japan are lawful and justified.
• China remains unfazed by potential bans from Japan, indicating confidence in its economic resilience.
• Chinese analysts suggest that the U.S. focus on Venezuela provides China an opportunity to exert pressure on Japan.
• Chinese think tanks express alarm over Japan’s right-wing policies and nuclear ambitions, viewing them as a regional threat.

Japan Perspective (Japan Sources)

• The Japan Times highlights concerns about China’s influence in Myanmar’s elections, labeling them as sham.
• Japan’s exports of sake and food items to China are facing delays due to ongoing diplomatic tensions.
• Foreign visitor numbers to Japan are projected to drop by 3% in 2026, largely due to fewer Chinese tourists.
• The Japan Times reports on China’s increased trade pressures while also noting a potential for hope in negotiations.
• Nikkei Asia discusses the implications of China’s actions on Japan’s economy and regional stability.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] Fire breaks out near Tsutenkaku Tower in Osaka in western Japan - 新华网 (1/9/2026)
2. [en-US] Export controls for Japan ’lawful’ - China Daily - Global Edition (1/9/2026)
3. [en-US] China unfazed by Japan’s possible bans - China Daily (1/9/2026)
4. [en-US] China’s CPI up 0.8 pct in December - news.cgtn.com (1/9/2026)
5. [en-US] U.S. Senate passes resolution to rein in military actions in Venezuela - news.cgtn.com (1/9/2026)
6. [en-US] With US focused on Venezuela, China has window to pressure Japan: analysts - South China Morning Post (1/9/2026)
7. [en-US] Japan’s Takaichi tipped for snap election gamble as poll ratings soar - South China Morning Post (1/9/2026)
8. [en-US] GT investigates: Unveiling US’ long-standing geopolitical, economic and ideological intrigues in Latin America - Global Times (1/8/2026)
9. [en-US] Stripping the veneer: the unsettling truth of Japan’s militarism - Global Times (1/8/2026)
10. [en-US] Japan Nuclear Ambitions: Chinese think tanks: Right-wing policies in Japan spark regional alarm - news.cgtn.com (1/8/2026)
11. [en-US] Trump lays out a vision of power restrained only by ‘my own morality’ - The Japan Times (1/9/2026)
12. [en-US] Asia ditches two-child policies as fears of demographic decline rise - Nikkei Asia (1/8/2026)
13. [en-US] Tokyo Electron gears up for AI-driven ‘supercycle’ in memory demand - Nikkei Asia (1/8/2026)
14. [en-US] China’s malign influence in Myanmar’s sham elections - Nikkei Asia (1/8/2026)
15. [en-US] China-bound exports of Japanese sake, food items delayed amid row - Japan Wire by KYODO NEWS (1/8/2026)
16. [en-US] Citi plans ‘significant’ investment, hiring in Japan: banking head - Nikkei Asia (1/8/2026)
17. [en-US] Airbus wins orders for 148 planes in China while Boeing stalls - Nikkei Asia (1/8/2026)
18. [en-US] Foreign visitors to Japan to drop 3% in 2026, dragged by fewer Chinese - Nikkei Asia (1/8/2026)
19. [en-US] Nvidia on China and Asia’s data center financing - Nikkei Asia (1/8/2026)
20. [en-US] China ups the ante on trade front and then offers a glimmer of hope - The Japan Times (1/8/2026)