Japanese, Chinese defense officers revive exchanges after 4 years

Countries increase communication to avoid clashes, including near Senkakus

Officers from the Japan Self-Defense Forces, facing toward camera, hold a discussion with representatives from a Chinese military-affiliated think tank in Beijing in July 17. (Photo courtesy of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation)

YUKIO TAJIMA, Nikkei staff writer

July 18, 2023 04:34 JST

BEIJING -- Officers from the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Chinese military met in Beijing on Monday, resuming an in-person exchange program for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program is designed to prevent accidental clashes between the two countries, including near the Senkaku Islands, a Japanese-administered chain in the East China Sea claimed by China as the Diaoyu. Officers last met under the program in September 2019.