Overall Highlights

• Japan’s political landscape is under scrutiny as the snap election coincides with important entrance exams, raising concerns among young voters.
• China continues to emphasize Japan’s historical responsibilities and urges peaceful development amid rising tensions.
• Both nations are navigating complex geopolitical dynamics, with Japan focusing on economic growth and technological advancements, while China addresses its international relations and historical narratives.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• Japan’s Takaichi criticized for calling a snap election during entrance exam season, seen as an unreasonable choice for young voters.
• China urges Japan to reflect on its history of aggression and adhere to a peaceful development path, highlighting ongoing tensions.
• Former Japanese PM acknowledges Taiwan as China’s internal affair, aligning with China’s stance on sovereignty issues.

Japan Perspective (Japan Sources)

• China’s Xi and Russia’s Putin discuss their growing ties, raising concerns in Japan about regional security dynamics.
• Japan’s Rapidus chipmaker receives over $1 billion in private investment, indicating strong domestic technological growth.
• Japan’s political discussions focus on balancing relations with the US and addressing China’s assertiveness in the region.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] Japan’s Takaichi criticized for calling snap election during entrance exam season - 新华网 (2/5/2026)
2. [en-US] Exams or election? Japan’s young voters face ‘extremely unreasonable’ choice - South China Morning Post (2/5/2026)
3. [en-US] Column: When will Japan atone for its past sins? - 新华网 (2/4/2026)
4. [en-US] Xi speaks with Trump hours after video chat with Putin, talks Taiwan, Ukraine - South China Morning Post (2/4/2026)
5. [en-US] Japan eyes parity with English Premier League by aligning calendar with Europe - South China Morning Post (2/4/2026)
6. [en-US] Heavy snow across Japan leaves 35 dead - 新华网 (2/4/2026)
7. [en-US] China urges Japan to reflect on history of aggression, adhere to peaceful development - news.cgtn.com (2/4/2026)
8. [en-US] Former Japanese PM: Taiwan is China’s ‘internal affair’ - China Daily (2/4/2026)
9. [en-US] China urges Japan to follow a peaceful path after PM Takaichi renews call to amend constitution - China Daily (2/4/2026)
10. [en-US] China urges Japan to reflect on history of aggression, adhere to peaceful development - 新华网 (2/4/2026)
11. [en-US] China’s Xi and Russia’s Putin discuss their growing links, ties with US and global crises - 毎日新聞 (2/5/2026)
12. [en-US] Southeast Asia IPOs rebound in second half, raising $4.5bn - Nikkei Asia (2/4/2026)
13. [en-US] Xi warns Trump about arms sales to Taiwan in call ahead of April visit - Nikkei Asia (2/4/2026)
14. [en-US] US seeks critical minerals trading bloc to counter China: Vance - Nikkei Asia (2/4/2026)
15. [en-US] Japan chipmaker Rapidus tops $1bn in private investment as IBM aims to join - Nikkei Asia (2/4/2026)
16. [en-US] Gas turbine boom in US lifts Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy to record profit - Nikkei Asia (2/4/2026)
17. [en-US] Toyota plans 30% increase in global hybrid production - Nikkei Asia (2/4/2026)
18. [en-US] UK PM’s China trip disappoints, prompts calls for clearer strategy - Nikkei Asia (2/4/2026)
19. [en-US] Chinese mine machine maker quits Colombia gold project, cites geopolitics - Nikkei Asia (2/4/2026)
20. [en-US] Kazakh trial of anti-China protesters highlights unequal ties - Nikkei Asia (2/4/2026)