INTERNATIONAL: Japan's defence Minister Nobuo Kishi has agreed to launch a military hotline with China which aim to launch by end of next year, Japan's government spokesperson has announced on Tuesday, citing recent talks between Kishi and his Chinese counterpart.

Kishi held a video call with China’s defence Minister Wei Fenghe on Monday where the Japanese defence chief has stressed the importance of stability in the Taiwan strait.

Japan hopes tension between China and Taiwan will be resolved peacefully through dialogue, Kishi has mentioned earlier in October, adding that his ministry would keep an eye on the widening military imbalance between Beijing and Taipei.