US says military hotline with China likely within weeks

Let the prank calls begin.

The United States and China aim to set up a telephone hotline between their militaries within a month following an agreement signed Friday, the US defence department said.

"For the last time, I'm not bringing you any fried rice!"

The deal was signed in Shanghai alongside another one giving the United States access to China's military archives to search for missing servicemen from the Korean War and other conflicts, the official said.

Better late than never I guess.

"We welcome this important step forward in enhancing communication between our militaries," the US defence department said in a statement. "The (hotline) will be a useful tool to make contact quickly, clarify issues, and avoid miscalculations."

"Hey Bill, it's Lei"
"Hey Lei, how are you."
"Not too bad. Say Bill, did you just fire a nuclear warhead at Beijing?"
"Umm...hold on Lei, I have another call."