South Korea, China Officially Open Military Hotline As The Result Of Close Collaboration Between Two Defense Officials

South Korea and China have officially established a telephone hotline between their top defense authorities Thursday as the result of the close collaboration between the two officials from both countries.

Yonhap News Agency reported Tuesday that South Korean Defense Minister Han Min Koo and his Chinese counterpart Chang Wanquan talked over the newly established military hotline.

"During today's phone call, the two defense ministers shared their understanding of the need to expand defense exchanges between their countries," South Korea's Ministry of National Defense said in a dispatch.

"South Korea will proactively capitalize on the hotline to improve mutual understanding and trust and to reinforce high-level strategic communications."

Han reportedly told Chang during the phone call that "the establishment of the hotline has provided new progress in the defense exchanges between South Korea and China."

"I expect it can be well utilized so the countries could enhance their cooperation and communication on security issues," the South Korean defense official added.

On the other hand, Chang responded that his country considers their military ties with South Korea as a top priority, adding that the newly established military hotline will further intensify their strategic ties.

The South Korean defense officials said that the military hotline could develop the relationship of the two countries, as noted by UPI Tuesday.

"The monumental establishment of a direct line is the result of close cooperation between our two defense authorities, and we believe it contributes to the improvement of bilateral relations and regional stability," Han said.

Han added that he is bullish that the military hotline would be utilized in subjects of close collaboration. Aside from that, he also delivered his New Year's message to his Chinese counterpart during their conversation through the new hotline.

Aside from the recent establishment of the military hotline with China, South Korea has also maintained lines of communication with its allies Japan and the United States.