Overall Highlights

• Japan is advancing its rare earth extraction capabilities with a new deep-sea project, which may impact its economic competition with China.
• China criticizes Japan’s military policies and urges for improved diplomatic relations, reflecting ongoing tensions in the region.
• Both nations are navigating complex geopolitical landscapes, with Japan seeking to reduce reliance on China for critical resources like rare earths.
• China’s outbound travel is expected to increase significantly, although travel to Japan is projected to decline, indicating strained relations.
• Discussions between Japanese and Chinese officials continue amidst rising tensions, particularly regarding trade and military issues.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• China’s media highlights Japan’s deep-sea rare earth project as a competitive threat, emphasizing the need for China to maintain its position in the global supply chain.
• Former Chinese officials criticize NATO and Japan’s militarization, framing it as a threat to regional stability.
• Chinese outlets urge Japan to mend ties with China, suggesting that improved relations could benefit both nations amidst rising tensions.
• China’s outbound travel is expected to soar, but travel to Japan is projected to halve, reflecting deteriorating bilateral relations.

Japan Perspective (Japan Sources)

• Japan’s deep-sea rare earth project is seen as a strategic move to reduce dependence on China for critical materials.
• Japanese media report on the need for diplomatic talks with China, indicating a desire to stabilize relations despite ongoing disputes.
• Japan is preparing for potential early elections, which may influence its foreign policy approach towards China.
• Concerns are raised in Japan regarding China’s military expansion and its implications for regional security, highlighting a cautious stance towards Beijing.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] Trump says Iran “starting to” cross U.S. red lines, citing reports of civilian deaths - news.cgtn.com (1/12/2026)
2. [en-US] Japan launches world’s first mission to lift rare earth from deep sea - South China Morning Post (1/12/2026)
3. [en-US] Former Chinese ambassador to US criticizes NATO for overreaching, saying that NATO has never won a war in Asia since WWII - Global Times (1/12/2026)
4. [en-US] DPRK media: Neo-militarism would bring total destruction to Japan - news.cgtn.com (1/12/2026)
5. [en-US] Japan’s Takaichi may call early election - China Daily (1/11/2026)
6. [en-US] Japan urged to mend China ties - China Daily (1/11/2026)
7. [en-US] History unsettled, military burdens: Why Ryukyu people say ‘NO’ to US bases - Global Times (1/11/2026)
8. [en-US] Japanese PM’s claim on China’s export control on dual-use items exposes ‘lack of sincerity and dangerous foreign policy approach,’ expert says - Global Times (1/11/2026)
9. [en-US] China urges Tanzania to back multilateralism, will ‘stand together’ with Africa - South China Morning Post (1/11/2026)
10. [en-US] China’s outbound travel set to soar by 10 million trips – but halve in Japan - South China Morning Post (1/11/2026)
11. [en-US] Japan deep-sea rare-earth project begins off remote southern island - Nikkei Asia (1/12/2026)
12. [en-US] Singapore Exchange offers crypto futures for ‘advanced’ traders - Nikkei Asia (1/11/2026)
13. [en-US] China births seen sinking under 9m, a decade after end of one-child policy - Nikkei Asia (1/11/2026)
14. [en-US] U.S. to push for quicker action in reducing reliance on China for rare earths - The Japan Times (1/11/2026)
15. [en-US] Takaichi and Lee set for talks on cementing ties as China-Japan dispute simmers - The Japan Times (1/11/2026)
16. [en-US] Lee-Takaichi summit, Carney visits China, India trade data - Nikkei Asia (1/11/2026)
17. [en-US] China is overplaying its rare-earth hand in Japan - The Japan Times (1/11/2026)
18. [en-US] Momentum grows for snap election as Takaichi’s views enter ‘new stage’ - The Japan Times (1/11/2026)
19. [en-US] Prada, after backlash, takes traditional Indian sandals to global stage - Nikkei Asia (1/11/2026)
20. [en-US] The downfall of alleged cybercrime kingpin Chen Zhi - Nikkei Asia (1/11/2026)