Japan, China agree on early launch of maritime communication mechanism

Japanese and Chinese defense ministers agreed Wednesday that an early launch of a maritime communication mechanism and defense exchanges are important for the countries to prevent accidental clashes in their first such talks since June 2011.

Speaking to reporters after his meeting with Chinese Defense Minister Gen. Chang Wanquan, which was held on the sidelines of a regional security gathering, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani declined to say if they discussed China's contentious moves in the disputed South China Sea.

Nakatani, however, challenged China's behavior during the gathering of 18 defense ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and their regional partners on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur.
 Kyodo
5/11/15 
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