Other forms: hot lines
A hot line is a direct and immediate communication link. In 2007, for example, the U.S. and China agreed to establish a dedicated defense hot line allowing top military officials to communicate directly during times of crisis.
A political hot line provides a direct line of communication between key leaders or defense officials. Various nations have set up hot lines to facilitate communication, including the U.S. and Russia; North and South Korea; and India and Pakistan. Beyond diplomacy, a hot line is also any phone service designed for immediate aid or information, especially in an emergency. In the U.S., for example, there are Poison Help and mental-health crisis hot lines.