Overall Highlights

• Japan has accused Chinese military aircraft of locking radar onto its jets, escalating tensions in the region.
• The U.S. is grappling with its manufacturing sector while attempting to reduce reliance on China, highlighting economic competition.
• China is conducting maritime drills near Taiwan, indicating a show of military strength amidst rising tensions with Japan and the U.S.
• Japan expresses frustration over perceived lack of U.S. support in its disputes with China, reflecting regional security concerns.
• There is a contrasting narrative in Chinese media, suggesting Japan is exaggerating threats to garner U.S. military support.

United States Perspective (United States Sources)

• Japan officially protested against Chinese jets locking radar on its aircraft, reflecting heightened military tensions in East Asia.
• U.S. sources emphasize the need for a robust national defense strategy to counter perceived threats from China.
• Reports indicate that the U.S. is struggling to revive its manufacturing sector while simultaneously reducing its economic dependence on China.
• Japan is frustrated with the U.S. administration’s silence regarding its military confrontations with China, signaling a potential rift in alliances.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• Chinese media downplays Japan’s accusations, suggesting they are attempts to exaggerate threats and gain U.S. military backing.
• China’s military exercises near Taiwan are framed as necessary for national security, amidst accusations of Japanese provocations.
• Chinese experts question Japan’s claims of spotting Chinese military assets, implying that Japan is using these incidents to hype U.S. military activities in the region.
• The narrative in Chinese outlets suggests that the U.S. is using Taiwan as a pawn in its strategic goals, reflecting a broader geopolitical rivalry.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] Japan accuses Chinese jets of directing fire-control radar at its aircraft - Al Jazeera (12/7/2025)
2. [en-US] Chinese jets directed fire-control radar at Japanese aircraft, Japan says - Reuters (12/7/2025)
3. [en-US] US Struggles to Revive Manufacturing While Downsizing China’s Role - Bloomberg.com (12/7/2025)
4. [en-US] Japan protests after a Chinese military aircraft locks its radar on Japanese jets - ABC News (12/7/2025)
5. [en-US] China MSA holds first maritime emergency drills in Taiwan Shoal - news.cgtn.com (12/7/2025)
6. [en-US] Hegseth highlights US-first national defense strategy - thehill.com (12/7/2025)
7. [en-US] Japan protests after a Chinese military aircraft locks its radar on Japanese jets - The Independent (12/7/2025)
8. [en-US] Chinese jets directed fire-control radar at Japanese aircraft, Japan says - CNN (12/7/2025)
9. [en-US] Japan frustrated at Trump administration’s silence over row with China - Financial Times (12/7/2025)
10. [en-US] China Fighter Jet Locked Radar on Japanese Aircraft, Japan Says - Bloomberg.com (12/7/2025)
11. [en-US] Hungary’s Orban to send team to Russia, expecting end of Ukraine war - South China Morning Post (12/6/2025)
12. [en-US] Japanese defense ministry claims spotting aircraft carrier Liaoning near Japan; ‘Why wouldn’t Japan hype US military activities? ’ expert asks - Global Times (12/6/2025)
13. [en-US] The great slowdown: Germany at a standstill as ‘China shock’ hits - South China Morning Post (12/6/2025)
14. [en-US] What could challenge Washington’s latest strategic goal on Taiwan? - South China Morning Post (12/6/2025)
15. [en-US] New US NSS mentions Taiwan multiple times, reveals Washington’s real logic of treating Taiwan as pawn: experts - Global Times (12/6/2025)
16. [en-US] Flash in the pan: how China’s plant-based meat craze fizzled - South China Morning Post (12/6/2025)
17. [en-US] Is China changing tack and accepting North Korea as a nuclear-armed state? - South China Morning Post (12/6/2025)
18. [en-US] Probe links Philippines flood corruption to Pogo crypto schemes - South China Morning Post (12/6/2025)
19. [en-US] 55 blocks in Hong Kong can’t meet deadline to take down scaffolding nets - South China Morning Post (12/6/2025)
20. [en-US] How China’s solopreneurs are using AI to crack a tough job market - South China Morning Post (12/6/2025)