China, Japan defense ministers launch military hotline

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) – The defense ministers of China and Japan spoke directly to inaugurate the two countries’ military hotline on Tuesday.

Chinese Defense Ministry said in a statement that State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu spoke with his Japanese counterpart Yasuichi Hamada and officially launched the direct telephone line for the sea and air liaison mechanism between the two countries' defense departments.

"The establishment and opening of the direct line is a practical measure to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries," the statement said.

"It will effectively enrich the communication channels between the defense departments of the two countries, strengthen the capabilities of both sides to manage and control maritime and air crises, and help further maintain regional peace and stability," it added.

In November last year, the two countries had agreed during President Xi Jinping's meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the sidelines of the 29th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting in Bangkok to set up a direct military hotline to manage maritime and air issues.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid