A defense hotline between Japan and China is likely to start operating around next spring, Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said Tuesday, as the two Asian powers have been at odds over the sovereignty of islands in the East China Sea.Operating the hotline between Japanese and Chinese defense authorities will "play an extremely important role in building confidence and avoiding unexpected contingencies," Hayashi told a press conference."We will continue discussions with the Chinese side toward the realization" of the hotline, Hayashi said.His remarks came after Prime Minister Fumio Kishida…READ FULL ARTICLE
