Overall Highlights

• Tensions between Japan and China are escalating, particularly regarding military expansion and regional alliances.
• Japan is strengthening ties with South Korea amid ongoing disputes with China, highlighting a shift in regional dynamics.
• China’s military push is seen as a challenge to its postwar pacifist stance, raising concerns in Japan and the region.
• Economic indicators show Japan’s current account surplus is growing, while China is facing scrutiny over labor practices.
• Both nations are navigating complex relationships with the US, particularly in technology and trade.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• China’s military expansion is testing its postwar pacifist stance, raising alarms in Japan and the international community.
• The recent Japan-South Korea summit reflects a ’temperature gap’ in perspectives on bilateral ties, indicating regional tensions.
• China’s economic challenges are underscored by reports of labor rights violations, which could impact its international reputation.

Japan Perspective (Japan Sources)

• Japan’s Prime Minister is seeking unity with South Korea to counterbalance China’s influence, emphasizing the importance of regional alliances.
• Economic reports indicate Japan’s banks are facing a surplus fund shrinkage, which may affect investment opportunities.
• Japan’s Takaichi is poised to call for elections amid rising military discussions, indicating a potential shift in domestic policy towards defense.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] Military push tests postwar pacifist stance - China Daily - Global Edition (1/14/2026)
2. [en-US] Takaichi welcomes Lee Jae-myung with 90-degree bow; S.Korea-Japan summit reveals ’temperature gap’ in perspectives on bilateral ties: experts - Global Times (1/13/2026)
3. [en-US] Japan’s key stock index ends above 53,000 for 1st time - 新华网 (1/13/2026)
4. [en-US] Takaichi’s real agenda: Military expansion or public livelihood? - news.cgtn.com (1/13/2026)
5. [en-US] 3 underrated ski resorts that should be on your radar this winter - South China Morning Post (1/13/2026)
6. [en-US] Japan PM seeks unity with South Korea’s Lee as China tensions persist - South China Morning Post (1/13/2026)
7. [en-US] Japan’s current account surplus grows 10 pct in November 2025 - 新华网 (1/13/2026)
8. [en-US] As the crow flies: how Tokyo’s 25-year pest purge ended in triumph - South China Morning Post (1/13/2026)
9. [en-US] 2 killed in residential fire in Japan’s Niigata - 新华网 (1/12/2026)
10. [en-US] The View | 3 factors Asia’s real estate investors must watch in 2026 - South China Morning Post (1/12/2026)
11. [en-US] Canadian PM’s China oil pitch risks blunting Trump’s Venezuela strategy - Nikkei Asia (1/14/2026)
12. [en-US] Japan banks’ surplus funds shrink to 4-year low, squeezing investment - Nikkei Asia (1/13/2026)
13. [en-US] US gives green light to Nvidia H200 chip exports to China - Nikkei Asia (1/13/2026)
14. [en-US] Apple and Qualcomm fret over strained supplies of Japan’s glass cloth - Nikkei Asia (1/13/2026)
15. [en-US] Japan, South Korean leaders drum up rapport playing K-pop after summit - Japan Wire by KYODO NEWS (1/13/2026)
16. [en-US] Vietnam’s 1st metro line saves riders time, but issues remain a year later - Nikkei Asia (1/13/2026)
17. [en-US] Japan’s Takaichi poised to call February election - Nikkei Asia (1/13/2026)
18. [en-US] Takaichi and South Korea’s Lee to take ties to ‘new heights’ amid Japan-China rift - The Japan Times (1/13/2026)
19. [en-US] China Labubu factory uses ‘underage workers,’ rights group says - Nikkei Asia (1/13/2026)
20. [en-US] Google to develop and make high-end phones in Vietnam this year - Nikkei Asia (1/13/2026)