China and Japan recently faced a crisis as a Chinese military spy plane violated Japanese airspace, raising concerns over the effectiveness of their defense hotline for crisis management. Despite establishing the hotline last year, it was not utilized in this situation, highlighting gaps in communication between the two nations. The lack of direct communication could potentially lead to accidental clashes, heightening tensions between China and Japan.
The hotline, intended for senior defense officials, has only been used during exchange events, indicating a need for improvement in its operational guidelines. Both countries resorted to traditional diplomatic channels after the airspace violation, with Beijing reassuring Tokyo that they had no intention to intrude.
The Japanese Defense Ministry reported the incident involving a Chinese military spy plane flying over Japanese waters, prompting a swift response from the Air Self-Defense Force. Despite initial agreements to establish the hotline in 2007, its limited use raises questions about its practicality in times of crisis.
As both nations explore ways to enhance communication, the importance of the hotline in preventing contingencies at sea and in the air remains a key focus for strengthening bilateral relations. Chinese officials have emphasized the hotline’s significance in enhancing crisis management capabilities, underscoring the need for swift and efficient communication channels between the two countries.
© KYODO
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