China Coast Guard vessels intrude into Japanese territorial waters off Senkaku Islands for 92 hours, the longest period since Japan nationalized the islands. China Coast Guard vessels intruded into Japanese territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, following Japanese fishing boats, beginning just before 2 a.m. on the 21st of this month and lasting until 10 p.m. on the 24th, totaling 92 hours and 8 minutes. The intrusion, the longest since the Japanese government nationalized the islands in 2012, involved initially two, and then four, Chinese vessels.

Japan opens Joint Operations Command for the 3 SDF branches. The Defense Ministry established the Joint Operations Command (JOC) on March 24 in Ichigaya district, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, to unify command over the Self-Defense Forces (SDF). This was done to counter military attacks and coordinate with the U.S. military during complex and emergency situations, including natural disasters and potential counterattacks, as outlined in security documents approved in 2022. 

Government draws up evacuation plan for Okinawa’s remote islands with “Taiwan emergency” in mind. The Japanese government created an evacuation plan for ~120,000 residents and tourists of Okinawa’s remote islands (Sakishima Islands), projecting a “Taiwan emergency”. Evacuation will take place over six days, coordinated by the Self-Defense Forces and Japan Coast Guard. People will be transported to Fukuoka/Kagoshima Airports, then to 32 cities/towns in Kyushu/Yamaguchi prefectures.

Chinese Foreign Minister: “Treated water release coming soon, analysis results may lead to resumption of imports”. China will soon announce the results of its second investigation into the Fukushima water release, which was conducted under the IAEA framework following an investigation in February. This announcement is crucial for the potential resumption of Japanese seafood imports. Progress hinges on the investigation finding no problems.

Advanced semiconductor company Rapidus signs collaboration agreement with Singapore semiconductor design company. Rapidus, a Japanese semiconductor company, will collaborate with Singaporean semiconductor design firm QuEST Global to receive technical support and acquire new clients, particularly in fields like space and medicine.

Honda’s EV-specific factory in Guangzhou, China, is now fully operational. Honda and Guangzhou Automobile began full operations on the 26th at their new dedicated EV factory in Guangzhou, China. This initiative aims to strengthen Honda’s position in China’s rapidly accelerating EV market, where Japanese automakers face challenges, supporting Honda’s goal of selling only EVs there by 2035. Toyota also plans similar EV factory expansions.

Japan putting ‘all options on table’ in dealing with US auto tariffs, PM Ishiba says. Tokyo will put “all options on the table” after U.S. President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on imported cars and light trucks, effective next week. The move raises concerns in Japan due to the heavy reliance on auto exports to the U.S. (28.3% of total exports in 2024), with analysts predicting a significant negative impact on Japan’s GDP. 

Japan, China, South Korea FMs agree on future-oriented cooperation. The foreign ministers of Japan, China, and South Korea met in Tokyo to promote futureoriented cooperation on shared issues and to accelerate arrangements for a trilateral summit in Japan as early as possible. They agreed to promote mutual understanding, strengthen economic and disaster prevention cooperation, address declining birthrates and aging populations.

China hosts a Japan-China exchange event at a park famous for its cherry blossoms. A Japan-China exchange event occurred on the 26th at Gentouzhu Park in Wuxi, China, attended by Japanese volunteers, Ambassador Kanasugi Kenji, and Chinese participants. They continued a 37-year tradition started by former soldier Hasegawa Kiyomi to promote friendship.

Cross-party group of lawmakers from Japan, the US and Taiwan confirms arrangements to hold face-to-face “strategic dialogue”. A bipartisan group of Japanese lawmakers, the Japan-China Parliamentary League, met in the Diet on the 26th, receiving a video message from Taiwanese President Lai Chingte. They adopted an action policy for fiscal year 2025 to work with Taiwan against unilateral changes to the status quo by force, particularly concerning China’s actions and a potential “Taiwan emergency.”

Japan to donate medical equipment to Ukrainian pediatric hospital. Following severe damage from a Russian missile attack last July, Japan is donating medical equipment to Okhmadit Hospital in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Ishiba to visit Philippines to strengthen ‘quasi-alliance’. Japanese Prime Minister is arranging a visit to the Philippines during the Golden Week holidays (late April/early May). The visit aims to reinforce thE security cooperation (like OSA) between the two nations, particularly considering China’s actions.

32 https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-china-discuss-ways-to-move-ties-to-predictablepath/article69378914.ece
33 https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/pakistan-china-in-talks-to-increase-security-forchinese-nationals-125032600191_1.html
34 https://islamabadpost.com.pk/pakistans-sesame-seed-exports-to-china-surge-by-180-in-early-2025/
35 https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2025/03/28/pakistan-repays-1-billion-loan-to-industrial-andcommercial-bank-of-china-in-march/