Chinese, US militaries hold maritime talks

​​​​​​​By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Chinese and US militaries held maritime talks in Shanghai on Thursday, according to the Chinese navy.

The two militaries held the 2025 China-US Military Maritime Consultative Agreement working group meeting that began Wednesday, said the Chinese Defense Ministry.

The meeting was held last year in the US state of Hawaii.

“On the basis of equality and mutual respect, the two sides carried out candid and constructive exchanges on security and safety situation in the air and at sea between the two countries,” the Chinese navy stated on X.

Both sides reviewed the “implementation of the Rules of Behavior for the Safety of Air and Maritime Encounters” and talked about measures to “enhance military maritime security and safety” between Washington and Beijing.

China underscored that the safety of its aircraft and ships is closely linked to “national security,” noting that US drills near the Chinese coastline may lead to “misconception and miscalculation and jeopardize China’s sovereignty and military security.”

“The Chinese PLA (People's Liberation Army) will continue responding to any dangerous and provocative actions in accordance with laws and regulations and resolutely safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” it added.

The group’s first annual meeting took place in Beijing in 1998, according to the US Naval Institute.