In a significant move toward maintaining strategic stability, representatives from the Chinese and US militaries recently gathered in Hawaii for a working group meeting of the Military Maritime Consultative Agreement (MMCA). The sessions, held from May 28 to 29, underscore a continued commitment to professional communication between the two global powers.
The meetings were guided by a shared consensus to build a constructive relationship based on equality and respect. According to a statement from the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), the two sides engaged in candid and constructive exchanges regarding the current air and maritime security landscape. A key focus of the discussions was evaluating the execution of the Rules of Behavior for Safety of Air and Maritime Encounters, a framework that has been in place since the MMCA was established in 2025.
Both delegations acknowledged that maintaining open channels of communication is essential for operational safety. By fostering these exchanges, frontline troops can perform their tasks in a more professional manner, which in turn deepens mutual understanding and helps avoid dangerous misperceptions or miscalculations in sensitive maritime and aerial zones.
During the talks, China reaffirmed its firm stance on national security and sovereignty. The PLA stated its opposition to any actions that might undermine China's sovereignty and security under the pretext of freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as any infringement, provocation, close-in reconnaissance, and harassment targeting China. The Chinese side reiterated its commitment to safeguarding national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests to uphold regional peace and prosperity.
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Chinese, US militaries hold meeting in Hawaii on air, maritime safety
cgtn.com
