BEIJING, Nov. 6 -- The first round of consultations on maritime affairs between China and the United States was held in Beijing on November 3. The meeting was hosted jointly by Director-General of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Hong Liang and State Department China Coordinator and Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of East Asia and Pacific Affairs of the United States Mark Baxter Lambert. Representatives of departments related to the maritime affairs and the ministries of national defense of the two countries attended the event.
The two sides had a candid, in-depth and constructive exchange of views on issues including the maritime situations, maritime security, maritime economy and maritime environment. The two sides stressed the necessity to promote dialogue and communication, manage and control the maritime situations, avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation, and explore mutually beneficial cooperation.
The Chinese side expressed serious concerns over the US's increased military presence in the region, its frequent close-in reconnaissance on China, and its encouragement and support of countries concerned in the South China Sea issue in making infringement and provocation, among others. China urged the US side to earnestly respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, stop intervening in maritime disputes between regional countries, and play a constructive role in regional peace and stability.