CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii -- Military representatives from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and U.S. Pacific Air Forces met virtually with People’s Republic of China (PRC) People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy and Air Force representatives for the Military Maritime Consultative Agreement (MMCA) Working Group and Flag Officer annual session on Dec. 14-16, 2021.

The United States and PRC have met regularly since 1998 for MMCA dialogue to strengthen military maritime safety, improve operational safety in the air and sea, and reduce risk between the two militaries.

“MMCA forum allows straightforward conversation to develop a common understanding on safe operational interactions between U.S. and PRC air and naval forces,” said U.S. delegation lead Maj. Gen. Christopher McPhillips, Director for Strategic Planning and Policy, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. “MMCA serves as a guardrail for military encounters to reduce risk in the air and at sea, helping the two sides manage competition responsibly. I am pleased we could have this dialogue.”

During the MMCA 2021 meetings, both U.S. and PRC officials discussed sustaining maritime and aviation operational safety and professionalism; reviewed safety-related events; and discussed implementation and assessment of the Rules of Behavior for Safety of Air and Maritime Encounters Memorandum of Understanding.

The U.S. Department of Defense and the PRC Ministry of National Defense signed the MMCA charter in January 1998 to strengthen military maritime safety. Regular MMCA meetings promote common understanding regarding activities undertaken by both nations’ maritime and air forces when operating in accordance with international laws and norms. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command is the Executive Agent for the United States.