Japan

Asahi Shimbun - E | English | News | Dec. 8, 2025 | Shifting Geopolitical Alliances

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks at the 23rd Russia-India Summit in New Delhi, agreeing to expand and diversify economic ties. They finalized a cooperation program until 2030 aimed at boosting bilateral trade to $100 billion annually. The current trade stood at $68.7 billion for the last fiscal year, with India seeking to reduce its trade deficit by increasing exports to Russia. Energy cooperation remains a cornerstone, with Russia committing to continue supplying fuel to support India's growing economy.

Both leaders discussed advancing a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union, potentially enhancing trade. Modi announced that India will soon offer free electronic visas to Russian tourists. Cooperation will also continue in civil nuclear projects, clean energy, shipbuilding, fertilizers, and labor mobility. Defense ties remain strong, with India pushing for faster deliveries of Russian S-400 missile systems and joint manufacturing of military spare parts and components within India, supported by technology transfers and joint ventures.

Despite longstanding ties, India faces pressure from the United States and the European Union to reconsider its relationship with Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Russian oil producers and increased tariffs on Indian goods, partly linked to Indian imports of Russian crude oil, which the U.S. views as funding Moscow’s war efforts. Indian officials emphasized their commitment to abiding by international sanctions and prioritize energy security for its population of 1.4 billion.

India is simultaneously negotiating trade agreements with the U.S. and EU, though progress is slow due to geopolitical tensions. Indian officials noted that commercial and market considerations drive their oil import decisions. Defense cooperation also includes upgrading Russian-made fighter jets and accelerating military hardware deliveries. Both countries aim to reduce barriers to Indian exports of pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and textiles to Russia while securing long-term fertilizer supplies and improving protections for Indian migrant workers in Russia.

日中対立、打開策見えず 高市氏答弁１カ月、影響拡大

Tokyo Shimbun | Local Language | News | Dec. 8, 2025 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

One month after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s statement suggesting that a "Taiwan contingency" could be considered a "situation in which the survival of the state is threatened," tensions between Japan and China have escalated with no resolution in sight. Takaichi’s comment, made during the Lower House Budget Committee on November 7, 2025, triggered strong pushback from China, which has responded with a range of countermeasures affecting tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges.

China has extended free cancellation or change policies for flights to Japan until March 28, 2026, and urged its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan, severely impacting the tourism sector. Additional Chinese actions include suspending import procedures for Japanese marine products and canceling performances by Japanese artists in China. These measures reflect the broadening impact of diplomatic tensions on economic and cultural relations.

Despite ongoing friction, Prime Minister Takaichi reiterated in the Upper House plenary session on December 3 that Japan’s basic stance on Taiwan remains unchanged and expressed a willingness to continue dialogue with China. However, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has rejected her explanations as "unacceptable," maintaining that dialogue with Japan requires retraction of her statement. The Japanese government is pursuing a diplomatic campaign to present its position to other countries amid these strained relations.

経産省、経済安保強化へ経営指針 中国との取引に伴うリスク念頭に

Tokyo Shimbun | Local Language | News | Dec. 8, 2025 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has formulated a draft management guideline aimed at strengthening economic security in light of growing risks associated with transactions with China, which is intensifying economic coercion. The draft emphasizes the importance for companies to prepare by securing supply chains for rare earths and other critical materials. Following public comments, the final version is expected to be published within 2025.

The guideline highlights a shift from an era focused solely on globalization and efficiency to one where companies must consider geopolitical risks in their operations. It states that stable supply capabilities can lead to new business opportunities. To address potential export controls by supplier countries, companies are urged to explore alternative suppliers and build stockpiles during peacetime, while also implementing measures to protect their own technologies from outflow.

In terms of crisis response, METI recognizes the need for coordinated efforts among companies but notes that collaboration is hampered by concerns over violating the Antimonopoly Act. To alleviate this, a separate casebook on company collaborations compliant with the Antimonopoly Act has been compiled with input from the Fair Trade Commission and other authorities to guide businesses in cooperating without legal issues.