US and China maritime defence talks to resume after blame game stalled 2020 session
- US Indo-Pacific officers to attend virtual talks beginning Tuesday under Military Maritime Consultative Agreement
- Similar talks failed last December after the US accused the PLA of failing to attend and the Chinese said the American side tried to force the agenda
The annual Military Maritime Consultative Agreement working group and flag officer session will feature representatives from the US Indo-Pacific Command, Pacific Fleet, and Pacific Air Forces, while People’s Liberation Army naval and air force officers will make up the Chinese delegation.
“The US remains fully committed to its allies and partners to ensure peace and stability in the region,” Major General Chris McPhillips, US delegation lead and the Indo-Pacific Command’s strategic planning and policy director, said.
“This agreement with [China] is intended to enable constructive, results-oriented dialogue that ensures safe operations and maintains regional stability,” a statement from McPhillips said.
“We are genuine in our desire to have frank conversation, develop mutual understanding, and reduce operational safety risks.”
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Signed in January 1998, the military maritime consultation mechanism aims to promote safe practices for the US and Chinese navy and air forces, and establish communications procedures for real-time encounters.