Wu Qian File photo; CFP

The Chinese and US militaries convened 2024's second working group meeting and annual conference of the China-US Military Maritime Consultative Agreement in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province from November 6 to 8, the Chinese Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

Spokesperson Wu Qian made the announcement at a regular press conference on Thursday in response to a question regarding foreign media reports on the event.

Wu said that the purpose of this meeting was to implement the important consensus reached by the head of state of both countries and promote the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of military relations between the two nations.

Based on mutual equality and respect, the two sides engaged in candid and pragmatic exchanges over the China-US maritime and aerial security situation, assessed the annual implementation of the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea between China and the US, discussed measures to improve maritime military security issues between the two countries, and exchanged views on the agenda for the 2025 working group meeting, Wu said.

The spokesperson noted that The Chinese side believes that this kind of communication facilitates interactions between the frontline troops of the Chinese and US militaries in a more professional and safe manner, reducing the risks of misunderstandings and misjudgment.

At the same time, the Chinese side firmly opposes any actions that endanger China's sovereignty and security under the pretext of freedom of navigation and overflight, and the Chinese side will continue to resolutely defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in accordance with laws and regulations, and safeguard regional peace and stability, Wu noted.

Global Times