China and Japan to maintain defense communication

China and Japan agreed to maintain communication and cooperation in defense and security, appropriately manage differences and improve bilateral relations, diplomats and defense officials said.

Chinese and Japanese officials from the foreign and defense ministries attended the 14th China-Japan Security Dialogue in Beijing on Monday, according to Xinhua, the first of its kind in nearly two years.

Co-chaired by Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou and Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Takeo Akiba, the two sides exchanged views on the international and regional security situation, each nation's defense policies and China-Japan security cooperation.

The Chinese raised concerns about Japan's developments in military and security areas in recent years, urging Japan to adhere to peaceful development and maintain regional stability, development and prosperity through peaceful means, according to a press release.

The Japanese said they would continue their path of peaceful development, and follow an "exclusively defense-oriented policy". Japan will also build mutual trust with China through dialogue, they added.