日中、ホットラインを設置　防衛当局間、偶発的衝突回避で

　日中両政府は３１日、海上などで自衛隊と中国軍の偶発的な衝突を回避するため、防衛当局間のホットライン（専用回線）を設置したと発表した。日中間で緊急時に意思疎通を図る通報体制「海空連絡メカニズム」に基づく措置。近く運用を開始する見通しだ。
　ホットラインは、日本の防衛省・自衛隊幹部と中国の国防省幹部を結ぶ専用の秘匿回線。防衛省は「不測の事態が起こった場合の対応だけでなく、両国の信頼構築などに活用する」と意義を強調する。（2023/03/31-18:23）

The Japanese and Chinese governments said Friday that they have set up a hotline between their defense authorities to prevent unintended clashes.
   The move is based on the bilateral maritime and aerial communication mechanism, designed to facilitate communication between the Asian neighbors in times of emergency.
   The hotline, seen helping to avoid clashes in waters around the two countries, is expected to begin operations soon.
   The confidential communications line will link the leadership of Japan's Self-Defense Forces at the Defense Ministry with top officials of the Chinese defense ministry.
   "We will utilize it not only for responding when unforeseen circumstances occur but also for building trust between the two countries," the Japanese Defense Ministry said.