Overall Highlights

• The US and China are engaged in a tense competition over rare earth resources, with Japan taking steps to secure its own supply amidst China’s tightening control.
• US perspectives highlight concerns over China’s trade practices and geopolitical maneuvers, while China emphasizes its resilience and economic stability despite external pressures.
• Both nations are navigating complex relationships with regional allies, as Japan seeks to assert independence from China and the US faces scrutiny over its foreign policy.
• The ongoing trade and technology rivalry is underscored by developments in AI and electronics, with both countries showcasing advancements at international trade shows.

United States Perspective (United States Sources)

• China’s trade practices are seen as detrimental to US interests, with predictions of long-term damage to economic relations.
• The US is actively seeking to host meetings on rare earth resources to counter China’s influence, reflecting a strategic pivot in resource management.
• Concerns are raised about Japan’s historical issues affecting regional stability, with the US supporting Japan’s initiatives to secure rare earth supplies.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• China maintains that its economic resilience will persist despite US pressures and trade tensions, emphasizing stability in its economy.
• The narrative of US imperialism is prevalent in Chinese sources, framing US actions as aggressive and detrimental to global peace.
• China criticizes Japan’s historical amnesia regarding wartime actions, suggesting it endangers regional peace and stability.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] China Outlook ’26: “The Damage Is Done” On The Trade Front - Forbes (1/12/2026)
2. [en-US] Japan sets sail on rare earth hunt as China tightens supplies - The Straits Times (1/12/2026)
3. [en-US] Two Hours, Scores of Questions, 23,000 Words: Our Interview With President Trump - The New York Times (1/12/2026)
4. [en-US] US to host meeting on rare earths as China-Japan spat simmers - MSN (1/12/2026)
5. [en-US] Spotlight shines on AI, EVs at electronics trade show - China Daily (1/12/2026)
6. [en-US] Japan launches world’s first mission to lift rare earth from deep sea - South China Morning Post (1/12/2026)
7. [en-US] As China’s companies expand overseas, entrepreneurs want the passports to match - South China Morning Post (1/12/2026)
8. [en-US] US imperialism has put it far beyond the pale - China Military (1/12/2026)
9. [en-US] Japan’s historical amnesia endangers regional peace - China Daily (1/12/2026)
10. [en-US] Economy remains stable, resilience set to persist - China Daily (1/12/2026)
11. [en-US] Venezuela’s acting president calls for trust in political leadership - news.cgtn.com (1/12/2026)
12. [en-US] Cuba defiant after Trump says island to receive no more Venezuelan oil or money - South China Morning Post (1/11/2026)
13. [en-US] My Take | The days of EU and Nato may be numbered under von der Leyen and Kallas - South China Morning Post (1/11/2026)
14. [en-US] Could China execute special forces operation like US precision Maduro abduction? - South China Morning Post (1/11/2026)
15. [en-US] UK and Germany discuss Nato forces in Greenland to calm US threat - South China Morning Post (1/11/2026)
16. [en-US] History unsettled, military burdens: Why Ryukyu people say ‘NO’ to US bases - Global Times (1/11/2026)
17. [en-US] China applies to put up 200,000 satellites after calling Starlink a crash risk - South China Morning Post (1/11/2026)
18. [en-US] US strips moral framing from foreign aid in ‘America first’ pivot - South China Morning Post (1/11/2026)
19. [en-US] Venezuela’s acting president vows to free Maduros as Trump eyes on oil - news.cgtn.com (1/11/2026)
20. [en-US] Europe drawing up plan for possible NATO mission on Greenland, mulling sanction against US companies in response to US’ continued threats: media - Global Times (1/11/2026)