US and Chinese officials resumed discussions on military safety in the Pacific after nearly two years, marking a significant step towards easing tensions between the two powers. The talks, held in Hawaii, focused on addressing unsafe and aggressive incidents involving ships and aircraft in the region.
The hiatus in military-to-military contact began in August 2022 when Beijing suspended communication in response to Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, which China considers its own territory. However, relations began to improve following a meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in November.
The recent meeting included approximately 18 senior military and civilian officials from each side, discussing specific incidents and operational safety concerns. The discussions aimed to enhance communication and avoid missteps between the two countries’ armed forces, crucial for maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
The US has noted a reduction in unsafe incidents by Chinese military aircraft and ships in recent months, a trend the officials are keen to continue. They emphasized the importance of ensuring overall safety in the region for troops operating there.
The meeting is part of a broader effort to expand communications between the two nations. Other recent talks include a call between Biden and Xi, as well as a visit to China by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.
Military tensions between the US and China escalated following Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, which triggered a surge in Chinese military maneuvers. Beijing deployed warships and aircraft, challenging established norms by firing missiles over Taiwan and into Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
Last October, the Pentagon released footage showing more than 180 intercepts of US warplanes by Chinese aircraft in the previous two years, a significant increase from previous decades. Chinese military officials have criticized US interference in Taiwan and the South China Sea, particularly objecting to American arms sales to Taiwan.
Despite these challenges, both sides expressed a commitment to maintaining open, direct, and clear communications. The US remains hopeful that the People’s Liberation Army will honor its commitments to the maritime agreement, further contributing to the reduction of unsafe incidents in the region.
