Overall Highlights

• Japan has discovered rare earth elements in deep-sea sediment, which could impact global supply chains.
• China’s foreign minister warns of a potential global regression to a ’law of the jungle’ amid rising geopolitical tensions.
• Japan’s Prime Minister Takaichi faces criticism for skipping a TV debate, raising questions about transparency in politics.
• The U.S. is considering an expanded military role in South Korea to deter China’s influence in the region.
• China’s low inflation is viewed as a mixed blessing, with potential implications for economic policy.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• Japan’s discovery of rare earth elements is seen as a strategic move to reduce reliance on China for critical materials.
• Chinese officials express concern over Japan’s political dynamics, particularly regarding female politicians facing challenges due to societal expectations.
• China emphasizes the need for innovation and strategic thinking in its economic policies, as highlighted in recent discussions by experts.

Japan Perspective (Japan Sources)

• Prime Minister Takaichi’s decision to skip a debate due to a hand injury has sparked dissatisfaction among Japanese politicians and the public.
• Japan is urged to adopt China’s industrial strategies, particularly in 3D printing, to enhance its competitiveness.
• The Japanese government is strengthening defense ties with Britain amid concerns over regional security, particularly regarding China and Taiwan.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] Japan says rare earth found in sediment retrieved on deep-sea mission - news.cgtn.com (2/2/2026)
2. [en-US] Do voters expect smiles? Why masks hurt female politicians in Japan - South China Morning Post (2/2/2026)
3. [en-US] Open Questions | Lawrence Lau on why China must ‘work smarter’ and how it can invent from scratch - South China Morning Post (2/1/2026)
4. [en-US] Chinese FM holds strategic dialogue with Russia’s Shoigu; Wang warns the world ‘faces risk of regressing to law of jungle’ - Global Times (2/1/2026)
5. [en-US] Takaichi skipping of TV debate due to ‘hand injury’ sparks dissatisfaction from Japanese politicians, netizens, saying Takaichi avoids key questions including Unification Church scandal - Global Times (2/1/2026)
6. [en-US] Japan’s Takaichi seeks mandate, improved majority with snap election: poll - South China Morning Post (2/1/2026)
7. [en-US] Pentagon eyes expanded role for South Korea-based US forces to help deter China - South China Morning Post (2/1/2026)
8. [en-US] PLA Navy warns off foreign jets with jamming missiles near Taiwan: CCTV - South China Morning Post (2/1/2026)
9. [en-US] AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026: Japan vs. Uzbekistan - 新华网 (2/1/2026)
10. [en-US] Opinion | Why China’s persistently low inflation is not all bad news - South China Morning Post (2/1/2026)
11. [en-US] Prime Minister Takaichi skips TV debate due to hand injury - The Japan Times (2/1/2026)
12. [en-US] Europe urged to follow China’s industrial 3D printing strategy - Nikkei Asia (2/1/2026)
13. [en-US] Over-the-counter sales of emergency contraception start Monday - The Japan Times (2/1/2026)
14. [en-US] Taiwan rushes to beef up radar and surveillance at sea - Nikkei Asia (2/1/2026)
15. [en-US] Centrist Reform Alliance ready to join proposed national conference - The Japan Times (2/1/2026)
16. [en-US] Britain and Japan agree to deepen defense and security cooperation - The Japan Times (2/1/2026)
17. [en-US] NCAC: Don’t put a baby on top of a washing machine, ever - 朝日新聞 (1/31/2026)
18. [en-US] Nipah virus vaccine from University of Tokyo set for April clinical trial - Nikkei Asia (1/31/2026)
19. [en-US] Southeast Asia vape bans are moral panic posing as public health - Nikkei Asia (1/31/2026)
20. [en-US] Japan’s Takaichi touts benefits of weaker yen, citing foreign reserves - Nikkei Asia (1/31/2026)