BEIJING -- A maritime crisis management mechanism is conducive to shielding the East China Sea from conflicts, but Japan has to abide by its agreement with China and refrain from further provocation to ensure peace and stability in the region.

Resuming high-level consultations on maritime affairs on Monday in Tokyo, defense authorities of the two countries are expected to discuss ways to avoid confrontation and reduce tension in the East China Sea.

China has been patient and has advocated dialogues and peaceful settlement of disputes with Japan, as any armed conflict between the two economic heavyweights will hurt the two peoples and the region as a whole.

During high-level consultations on maritime affairs held in Qingdao, China, last September, the two sides agreed in principle to resume maritime liaison between their defense agencies.

The meeting between defense officials this week is an encouraging sign and offers another opportunity for tension reduction.

Meanwhile, it is advisable that Tokyo sticks to the four-point principled agreement reached with Beijing last November, refrain from further provocation, and bring sincerity to the table so as to constructively address their differences and disputes.