The parties “frankly” exchanged viewpoints on security and defense policies of both nations, as well as international and regional issues of mutual interest, according to a press release from the Japanese Foreign Ministry.

The two nations also insisted from their respective positions on the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

They agreed to establish a direct communication hotline next spring to coordinate joint actions better within the “Maritime and Air Liaison Mechanism between Japan’s and China’s defense authorities” to prevent accidental clashes.

China and Japan are holding security talks for the first time in four years to boost mutual trust amid strained relations.

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