China, Japan set up military hotline to avoid maritime, air disputes
China on Friday announced it has set up a direct military hotline with Japan to manage maritime and air issues.
'The two countries have recently completed the construction of a direct telephone line for the sea-air liaison mechanism, and will maintain communication on the arrangement for the launch,' China's Defense Ministry said in a statement.
'The establishment of the direct telephone line will effectively enrich the communication channels between the defense departments of China and Japan, strengthen the capabilities of the two sides to manage and control maritime and air crises, and help further maintain regional peace and stability.'
Earlier on Friday, Japan's Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said he will undertake a two-day trip to China from Saturday.
Hayashi said he will meet his Chinese counterpart Qin Gang for discussions centered on a 'stable and constructive Japan-China relationship.'
Beijing also confirmed the scheduled trip. This will be the first trip by a Japanese foreign minister to China since December 2019 and the first in-person meeting of their top diplomats since November 2020.
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