BEIJING, May 16 -- Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister General Li Shangfu had a phone conversation with Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada, using the direct telephone link under the maritime and air liaison mechanism between the Chinese and Japanese defense departments for the first time, on Tuesday afternoon. They exchanged views on bilateral and defense relations between the two countries.
The establishment and operation of the direct telephone link is a practical measure to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two states. It will effectively enrich the communication channels between the defense departments of the two countries, strengthen the capabilities of the two sides in managing and controlling maritime and air crises, and help further safeguard regional peace and stability.