Taiwan is hosting an event titled 'Let's Promote Taiwan-Japan Friendship by Eating Japanese Seafood!' on Christmas Day in Taipei to show support for Japanese seafood businesses affected by China's ban on Japanese marine product imports. The ban was in protest of Tokyo Electric Power Company's release of treated water from the Fukushima Daichi Nuclear Power Station. Taiwanese organizations and trading companies are importing Japanese seafood for the event, which will feature a culinary competition between Japanese and Taiwanese chefs. The event has garnered significant support, with tickets selling out quickly and Japanese sake manufacturers contributing to the event. The executive director, Ye Jian-yang, emphasized the safety of Japan's treated water.

The article discusses the increasing number of Japanese and other foreign nationals being detained in China on espionage charges, often for trivial reasons or without clear explanations. A Japanese man working in the nursing care industry in Hunan Province was sentenced to twelve years in prison, while a former executive of a Japan-China friendship organization, Hideiji Suzuki, was detained and sentenced to six years. Australian journalist Cheng Lei was also detained for three years. The article highlights the expansion of China's counterespionage law and its ambiguous definition of espionage, which now includes political, military, economic, and cultural security. It also touches on the harsh conditions of residential surveillance in China, the lack of legal support for detainees, and the human rights violations involved. The author calls for the Japanese government to protest and negotiate for the release of Japanese nationals detained in China and to strengthen cooperation with other governments.

The article discusses the public mourning following the death of former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, highlighting the spontaneous memorial activities across China, particularly in his hometown of Hefei and in Zhengzhou where he once worked. The Chinese Communist Party, under Xi Jinping's leadership, is closely monitoring these events, wary of potential anti-government protests. Li, who served as prime minister and was seen as an advocate for reform, had been overshadowed by Xi's personality cult. His death has brought attention to his popularity and the public's dissatisfaction with Xi's policies. The article draws parallels with historical instances where public mourning led to political upheaval in China and questions whether the current mourning for Li could have a similar impact. It also references the 'white paper revolution' against the 'zero COVID' policy, suggesting that the mourning reflects a desire for a return to more open policies. The article is written by Akio Yaita, the Taipei Bureau Chief for Sankei Shimbun.

The new Taiwan administration under Lai Ching-te faces three significant challenges: consolidating domestic support with only 40% of the vote, reducing military tensions with China, and maintaining trust with the United States. Lai's administration will need to navigate a complex political landscape, including potential cooperation with the Taiwan People's Party and addressing concerns from the US regarding Taiwan independence. The article highlights the difficulties Lai will encounter in continuing the policies of his predecessor, Tsai Ing-wen, who enjoyed greater popularity and legislative support.

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen expressed satisfaction over Taiwan's application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a goal she has pursued since her election in 2016. However, China's subsequent application to the CPTPP is seen as a move to block Taiwan's entry, given Beijing's stance that Taiwan is part of China and its opposition to Taiwan's international participation. Taiwan is concerned that China will use its influence to deter CPTPP member states from accepting Taiwan's application. Taiwan hopes Japan, the current CPTPP chair, will support its application, which aligns with Japan's national interests, including securing semiconductor supplies. Some in Japan advise caution, but the author argues that Japan should show leadership and not acquiesce to China's wishes.