The long-awaited hotline between Japan and China’s defense ministers has finally been activated, marking a significant step towards building trust and improving communication between the two nations. On Tuesday, Japan’s defence minister Yasukazu Hamada and China’s defense minister Li Shangfu made their first call on the hotline, established on March 31st, according to the Japanese defense ministry. The 20-minute conversation aimed to affirm the importance of the hotline and the maritime and aerial communication mechanism in avoiding contingencies, particularly amid ongoing disputes between the two countries.
One of the most contentious issues between Japan and China is the row over the tiny Japanese-controlled islands in the East China Sea, known as the Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China. China has repeatedly sent coastguard vessels and planes to harass Japanese vessels and force Japan’s military to scramble jets in response. Japan is also wary of China’s naval activities around its coasts, which sometimes involve joint military exercises with Russia. Furthermore, Japan is increasingly concerned about tensions surrounding self-ruled Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory and has threatened to annex by force if necessary.
China’s defense minister Li Shangfu (Via Li Shangfu/Twitter)
In the context of these disputes, Mr. Hamada emphasized the need for candid communication between Japan and China, especially when their relations are not as good. He noted that the hotline is essential in avoiding accidental clashes between their militaries, particularly in the East China Sea. The idea for the hotline was initially agreed upon in 2018 between then-prime ministers Shinzo Abe and Li Keqiang as a way to reduce tensions and improve cooperation between the two nations.
The hotline is seen as a vital step towards improving communication between Japan and China’s defense authorities, which can help to prevent misunderstandings and miscommunications that could escalate into military conflicts. The activation of the hotline comes at a time when both countries are strengthening their military capabilities, with China’s military modernization efforts being a major concern for Japan and the international community. As such, the establishment of the hotline is a significant development that has the potential to reduce tensions and promote stability in the region.
