Japan defense chief calls for China's restraint on the Senkakus

Kishi and Wei agree on creation of hotline to avoid accidental clashes

20201214N Senkaku boat

A Japan Coast Guard boat near the Senkaku Islands: Chinese government vessels have been spotted frequently near the Japan-administered chain in recent months. © Reuters

JUNNOSUKE KOBARA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Japan's defense chief on Monday urged Beijing to exercise restraint as bilateral tensions rise over Chinese incursions into Japanese territorial waters near the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.

Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi held a 95-minute videoconference with Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe, their first official meeting since the Japanese minister took the post.

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