PEARL HARBOR — Military representatives from U.S. Pacific Fleet (PACFLT), U.S. Pacific Air Forces and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) People’s Liberation Army Navy and Air Force met for recurring consultations to improve coordination on maritime issues and safety at Ford Island, May 24-25.
The overall goal of the two-day talks, known as the Military Maritime Consultative Agreement (MMCA), is to strengthen ties through open communication between U.S. and PRC naval and air forces and to improve operational safety in the air and maritime environments.
“Engagements like the Military Maritime Consultative Agreement help the U.S. and Chinese militaries work towards common goals while also candidly addressing differences,” said Capt. Donald Cribbs, head of International Plans and Policy for PACFLT. “This dialogue helps both sides reduce the likelihood of incidents at sea and in the air.”
The MMCA was established by the Department of Defense and the PRC Ministry of National Defense January 1998 as an instrument to promote common understanding and mutual respect. The agreement was designed to prevent incidents and strengthen regional safety for U.S. and PRC maritime and air forces operating in accordance with international law. The last MMCA meeting was held at the U.S. Pacific Air Forces Headquarters November 2015.