US-China military talks address potential for accidental conflicts in Indo-Pacific

“The United States will continue to operate safely and professionally in the Indo­-Pacific wherever international law allows, and we take this responsibility seriously,” he said in a statement issued on Friday.

He added that “open, direct, and clear communications” with the Chinese military, formally known as the People’s Liberation Army – as well as “with all other military forces in the region – is of utmost importance to avoid accidents and miscommunication”.

According to the statement, both sides also reviewed “safety-related events” over the last few years.

The US has accused China of “coercive and risky operational behaviour” against US assets acting lawfully in international airspace over the East and South China seas.

In October, the Pentagon released declassified images and videos showing Chinese fighter jets discharging chaff and shooting flares while approaching US aircraft at high speeds.

Over 180 ‘coercive and risky’ PLA incidents against US since 2021: Pentagon

According to the statement, both sides also reviewed “safety-related events” over the last few years.

The US has accused China of “coercive and risky operational behaviour” against US assets acting lawfully in international airspace over the East and South China seas.

In October, the Pentagon released declassified images and videos showing Chinese fighter jets discharging chaff and shooting flares while approaching US aircraft at high speeds.

Beijing suspended all military dialogue with Washington in August 2022 after then US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan. But a breakthrough came in November when Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden agreed to ease tensions and manage disagreements responsibly.

As part of the top-level efforts to stabilise relations, Xi and Biden also spoke this week ahead of US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s five-day trip to China, which began on Thursday.