Japan, China Establish Military Hotline Amid Increasing Regional Friction

Japanese Coast Guard vessel and boats (rear and right) sail alongside a Japanese activists' fishing boat (center) near a group of disputed islands called Diaoyu by China and Senkaku by Japan on Aug. 18, 2013. Emily Wang/AP Photo

Japan and China have established a direct military hotline to prevent maritime and air clashes as tensions grow over competing territorial claims in the East China Sea.

Both nations announced the setting up the confidential communications line on Friday, reported Jiji Press.