WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson participated in a video teleconference (VTC), Oct. 29, with his Chinese counterpart, People's Liberation Army (Navy) (PLA(N)) Commander Adm. Wu Shengli to discuss ongoing engagements between the two navies and recent operations in the South China Sea.

This was the second time Richardson has engaged with Wu over the VTC, the last being in Aug 2015.

During the latest call, Richardson and Wu discussed U.S. freedom of navigation operations; the relationship between the two navies, including pending port visits and senior leader engagement; and the importance of maintaining an ongoing dialogue.

U.S. freedom of navigation operations are global in scope, and executed across a wide range of maritime claims. The operations serve to protect the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea and airspace guaranteed to all nations under international law. Freedom of navigation operations are not a challenge to the sovereignty of land features. The United States takes no position on competing sovereignty claims to land features in the South China Sea.

Both admirals agreed to speak again via VTC later this year.