Press Release
Point of Contact:
USPACOM Public Affairs Office
publicaffairs.pacom@navy.mil
808-477-1341, 808-228-3934

CAMP SMITH, Hawaii (May 11, 2017) -- U.S. Pacific Command representatives met with Chinese counterparts to discuss air and maritime forces’ interaction during the semiannual Military Maritime Consultative Agreement (MMCA) Working Group in Quingdao, China, May 9-10.

The MMCA is a mechanism for open and transparent communication between the U.S. and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to avoid unsafe incidents between air and naval forces and promote common understanding for operations in accordance with international laws and norms. The U.S. Defense Department and PRC Ministry of National Defense signed the agreement back in January 1998.

During the MMCA meeting both the U.S. and Chinese officials spoke candidly about aviation and maritime safety, exchanged views on incidents of concern from the last six months, and reviewed the Rules of Behavior for Safety of Air and Maritime Encounters Memorandum of Understanding. Officials from both sides acknowledged the importance of not letting unsafe interactions between the two countries' naval or air units affect the greater U.S.-China relationship.

"The great majority of the encounters between our militaries are conducted safely and professionally. MMCA provides the means for both sides to be open and frank about those areas that can be improved," said U.S. delegation lead Donald Cribbs, Division Head, International Plans, Policy and Engagement, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

-PACOM-