Overall Highlights

• Japan’s next-generation fighter jet project is gaining momentum as European competitors face delays.
• China asserts its export controls on dual-use items to Japan are legitimate and lawful.
• Japan’s political landscape is shifting with the formation of a new centrist party, indicating potential changes in governance.
• Regional security agreements between Japan and the Philippines highlight increasing tensions in East Asia.
• Travel to Japan from China has significantly decreased, indicating potential strain in bilateral relations.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• Japan’s fighter jet project is seen as a response to perceived threats, reflecting its military ambitions.
• China’s commerce ministry defends export controls on dual-use items to Japan as necessary and lawful.
• The Global Times questions Japan’s self-portrayal as a peaceful nation, suggesting a militaristic agenda.
• China reports a significant drop in flights to Japan, indicating a cooling of tourism and possibly diplomatic relations.

Japan Perspective (Japan Sources)

• Japan’s new fighter jet project is positioned as a strategic advancement amid regional security concerns.
• The formation of a new centrist party (CDP and Komeito) may reshape Japan’s political dynamics and influence policy decisions.
• Japan and the Philippines have signed security agreements, emphasizing cooperation in response to regional tensions.
• Reports highlight Japan’s efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities in light of China’s growing military presence.
• Japan’s travel industry is facing challenges, with a notable drop in flights from China during the Spring Festival.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] Japan’s next-generation fighter jet project gets boost as European rival stalls - South China Morning Post (1/16/2026)
2. [en-US] Three questions for Japan tear away its mask of a ‘peaceful country’ - Global Times (1/15/2026)
3. [en-US] China’s export control on dual-use items to Japan fully legitimate, reasonable, lawful: commerce ministry - 新华网 (1/15/2026)
4. [en-US] Japan’s main opposition CDPJ, Komeito agree to form new party - 新华网 (1/15/2026)
5. [en-US] Flights to Japan plunge 40% during upcoming Spring Festival travel season: industry platform - Global Times (1/15/2026)
6. [en-US] Japan’s main opposition party CDPJ, Komeito agree to form new party - China Daily (1/15/2026)
7. [en-US] Explainer: Why Japanese PM decides to call snap election? - 新华网 (1/15/2026)
8. [en-US] Altay’s powder snow attracts tourists from across China - China Daily (1/15/2026)
9. [en-US] Japan woman mocked for ‘ugly’ looks, resists cosmetic surgery, uses make-up - South China Morning Post (1/15/2026)
10. [en-US] Thai PM moves to strip scandal-hit firm of contracts after second deadly accident - South China Morning Post (1/15/2026)
11. [en-US] Azerbaijan ramps up ‘Trump route’ construction along Armenia border - Nikkei Asia (1/16/2026)
12. [en-US] Moore Threads and peers bring China AI chip independence closer - Nikkei Asia (1/15/2026)
13. [en-US] Thai construction giant ITD reels from series of deadly accidents - Nikkei Asia (1/15/2026)
14. [en-US] Taiwan and US clinch chip-focused trade deal to lower tariffs - Nikkei Asia (1/15/2026)
15. [en-US] South Korea pushes Lotte Chemical, LG Chem to slash ethylene capacity - Nikkei Asia (1/15/2026)
16. [en-US] China leads world in robotics and other physical AI patents: analysis - Nikkei Asia (1/15/2026)
17. [en-US] CDP and Komeito agree to form new centrist party - The Japan Times (1/15/2026)
18. [en-US] Philippines and Japan sign security agreement as regional tensions rise - Nikkei Asia (1/15/2026)
19. [en-US] Japan and the Philippines sign new security pacts as regional tensions rise - The Japan Times (1/15/2026)
20. [en-US] Commercial crisis engulfs India’s much-delayed soccer league - Nikkei Asia (1/15/2026)