Communications between China and Japan's defense departments strengthened

Defense authorities in China and Japan have built infrastructure for a hotline of the maritime and air liaison mechanism, according to China's Ministry of National Defense.

The ministry said in a brief news release on Friday that the two sides have recently completed the construction of the direct line in accordance with work schedules negotiated by defense departments and will stay in contact on the arrangement of its activation.

The hotline will serve to expand the communication channels between the two sides and improve both sides' capability of controlling and containing crises in the air and on the sea, thus helping to safeguard the peace and stability in the region, according to the release.