Source:
https://scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2149835/china-japan-hotline-launched-avoid-sea-air-clashes
China/ Diplomacy

China-Japan hotline launched to avoid sea, air clashes

Link set up amid fear of confrontations around disputed islands in the East China Sea

A file picture of a Chinese marine surveillance ship (left) pictured near one of the disputed Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea as a Japanese Coast Guard vessel watches on. Photo: Kyodo

Japan and China launched a communication link on Friday to avert accidental clashes at sea and in the air, while sidestepping a territorial row over a group of small islands in the East China Sea.

“The start is an important step to enhance the mutual understanding and trust between Japan and China,” Japanese Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera said, noting that arrangements were under way to open a hotline between the countries’ defence officials.