The United States and China spoke this week about security between their two militaries for the first time in more than two years, the US military announced Friday.
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The resumption of talks comes after US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping agreed in November to ease tensions and restore military communications between the two countries.
American and Chinese military representatives met on Wednesday and Thursday for a working meeting in Hawaii, a first since the end of 2021, the Indo-Pacific Command (IndoPacom) of the American army announced in a press release.
The agreement is for IndoPacom “the main means of discussing air and maritime operational security” with the Chinese army, added Colonel Ian Francis, head of the American delegation, quoted in the press release.
“Open, direct and clear” communication with the Chinese army and with “all other military forces in the region is of the utmost importance to avoid accidents,” added Ian Francis.
American and Chinese officials “reviewed security events over the past several years” during meetings this week, the latest in a series dating back to 1998, IndoPacom said.
The United States has repeatedly highlighted in recent years that Chinese warplanes and boats have operated dangerously around American and allied aircraft and ships, including in the South China Sea.
This vast maritime region, contested between different countries in Southeast Asia, is also claimed by Beijing, which considers that it represents essential strategic importance for China.
Before Joe Biden and Xi Jinping agreed to resume military discussions, US Defense Minister Lloyd Austin warned of accidents that could degenerate in the absence of communication between the armies of the United States and from China.
