First telephone call of the Hotline Between Japan-China Defense Authorities by Japanese and Chinese Defense Ministers

(Press Release: Provisional Translation)

May 16, 2023

Ministry of Defense Japan

In Japanese

In 中文

  1. On May 16, from 16:30 for approximately 20 minutes, Defense Minister Hamada held the first telephone conversation with Chinese Defense Minister Li Shang Fu through the “Hotline between Japanese and Chinese Defense Authorities” established on March 31.
  2. Both sides welcomed the start of the operational use of the hotline, and confirmed that the “Maritime and Aerial Communication Mechanism between the Japan-China Defense Authorities”, which includes the hotline, plays an important role in fostering trust between Japanese and Chinese defense authorities as well as avoiding contingencies. They also confirmed that the hotline will be operated appropriately and reliably.
  3. Defense Minister Hamada mentioned the existence of security concerns between Japan and China, such as the situation in the East China Sea, and stated that it is necessary to have candid communication especially when there are concerns about Japan-China relations. Both sides agreed to continue communication between the defense authorities of Japan and China.

First telephone call of the Hotline Between Japan-China Defense Authorities by Japanese and Chinese Defense Ministers (PDF)