Despite the low profile and low-level nature with no substantial results, that Chinese and Japanese defense and maritime officials did meet and talk means a lot.

To both Beijing and Tokyo, of course, but also to the disunited Asia-Pacific. And to all who have had their eyes on the East-Asian impasse with pre-WWI Europe in mind.

That this occurred, amid and alongside the persisting tensions between Chinese and Japanese diplomatic, military and maritime institutions, sends a consoling message: Neither Beijing nor Tokyo wants to see things worsen further.