US and Chinese military representatives met in Hawaii this week for the first in-person meeting in years to discuss the safety of forces in the Pacific. The Military Maritime Consultative Agreement Working Group meeting was held in Honolulu with 18 officials from China’s People’s Liberation Army and 18 representatives from the US military’s major commands in the Pacific. This meeting was critical to ensuring the safe operation of military forces, especially after cancellations by China in recent years.
The talks in Hawaii were described as essential by a senior US military official to ensure the safe operation of both countries’ service members. This meeting was the first of its kind in years due to cancellations by China and followed President Biden’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in November 2023, where they agreed to maintain military-to-military communication. The MMCA meetings between the US and China have been ongoing since 1998, focusing on air and maritime operational safety and promoting a dialogue between the two countries.
In addition to the in-person meeting, President Biden and President Xi also spoke on the phone to discuss various topics, including countering narcotics, artificial intelligence, and climate change. This communication was a check-in on their previous conversations and included discussions on the military-to-military relationship between the US and China. The head of the US delegation at the MMCA meeting noted that it is the primary means to directly discuss air and maritime operational safety with the People’s Liberation Army.
US officials acknowledged a reduction in unsafe behavior between US and Chinese aircraft over the Pacific, a positive sign they aim to maintain. However, they expressed concerns about China’s actions against routine maritime operations conducted by the Philippines in the South China Sea. In recent years, there have been instances of coercive and risky behavior by Chinese pilots against US aircraft, but these have reportedly eased in the past months. The focus remains on promoting safe operations and dialogue between the two military forces.
Overall, the meeting in Hawaii marked a significant step towards enhancing communication and safety between the US and Chinese military forces in the Pacific. The dialogue between the two countries has been ongoing for several decades through the MMCA meetings, but recent cancellations and tensions have highlighted the importance of direct communication and collaboration. The commitment to maintaining military-to-military communication, as agreed upon by Presidents Biden and Xi, is crucial for reducing risks and enhancing operational safety for both nations’ service members.
Moving forward, the US and China will continue to engage in discussions on air and maritime operational safety, as well as broader topics like countering narcotics and climate change. The recent reduction in unsafe behavior between US and Chinese aircraft is a positive development, but challenges remain in areas like the South China Sea. By prioritizing dialogue and cooperation, both countries aim to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of their military forces operating in the Pacific region.
