Nations pledge to enhance trust and maritime affairs cooperation

China and Japan agreed to enhance cooperation in various maritime affairs, including joint rescues, environmental protection and fighting transnational crime, according to a statement published on Wednesday.

The two countries also pledged to strengthen communication and mutual trust between their military authorities, taking another positive step toward building an air and maritime communication system between the two militaries.

These agreements were reached during the eighth round of high-level consultations on maritime affairs between government officials from the two countries. The meeting was held from Tuesday to Wednesday in Shanghai.

Officials from China’s Foreign Ministry, Defense Ministry and Ministry of Environmental Protection, as well as from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cabinet Office and Maritime Safety Agency, attended the meeting.

Both sides emphasized the importance of keeping bilateral communication in maritime policy and law. They will