China, US hold maritime safety talks in Hawaii as Beijing reiterates warnings on sovereignty

China and the United States held a second round of working group talks and their annual meeting under the 2025 China-US Military Maritime Consultative Agreement (MMCA) in Hawaii from Tuesday to Thursday, the People's Liberation Army Navy said on Saturday.

The two sides engaged in "candid and constructive" discussions on an equal and respectful basis, according to a statement released on the official WeChat account of the Chinese navy.

Officials exchanged views on the current maritime and air security situation between the two sides, reviewed typical encounters at sea and in the air, and assessed the annual implementation of the US-China Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) On the Rules of Behavior for the Safety of Air and Maritime Encounters.

They also discussed measures to improve operational safety and exchanged ideas on the agenda for the 2026 working group meeting.

Both sides agreed that the MMCA talks help frontline naval and air units conduct more professional and safer interactions, reducing the risk of misunderstandings, miscalculations, and crises.

China reiterated its firm opposition to any action carried out under the pretext of freedom of navigation and overflight that endanger its sovereignty and security, according to the statement.

The Chinese navy also voiced opposition to provocative or intrusive activities targeting China and said it will continue to safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in accordance with the law, while working to uphold regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

The first round of MMCA's 2025 working group meeting was held in Shanghai, China, from April 2 to 3.