China and Japan have created a direct line of communication aimed at handling and smoothing out naval and air incidents that may arise as a result of tensions in the areas disputed by both countries.
The announcement precedes a visit to Beijing by the Japanese Foreign Minister, Yoshimasa Hayashiwho this weekend will meet his counterpart Qin Gang as part of the first trip by a Japanese foreign minister to China since 2019.
The new communication mechanism announced by the Defense Ministries will be used by the nations’ senior officials if necessary.
Representatives of the Japanese military portfolio describe it as a “binding mechanism” It will build confidence and help avoid unforeseen situations. Meanwhile, the Chinese Ministry declared that it will facilitate the management of naval and air crises and contribute to regional stability and security..
The establishment of an emergency communication line was devised several years ago and was expected to be launched last year, but the plan was delayed due to the COVID-13 pandemic, among other factors.
Source: International Agencies
VTV/ DB/ARC
