Beijing, China – November 22, 2025 – The United States and China conducted “frank and constructive” maritime security talks in Hawaii this week, according to the Chinese navy, signaling a gradual restoration of military-to-military communications between the two superpowers after months of trade and geopolitical tensions.

The working-level discussions took place from November 18 to 20 under the framework of the Military Maritime Consultative Agreement (MMCA) working group, a twice-yearly mechanism for exchanging views on maritime and air security issues.

“The two sides had frank and constructive exchanges, mainly exchanging views on the current maritime and air security situation between China and the U.S.,” the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy said in a statement posted on its official social media account.

Key Topics Discussed

Officials from both countries discussed recent encounters between their naval and air forces, focusing on risk reduction and professional interaction at sea. These discussions aim to enhance safety for front-line forces amid heightened activity in strategic waterways, including the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.

China reiterated its strong opposition to U.S. freedom-of-navigation operations (FONOPs) conducted in waters it claims sovereignty over. “China … resolutely opposes any infringement and provocation,” the navy stated, referencing U.S. naval and aerial transits near Taiwan and other contested areas.

Context and Regional Security Concerns

The U.S. and Chinese militaries previously met in April 2025, marking the first working-level military dialogue since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. The Pentagon has emphasized the need for improved communication and transparency regarding China’s military modernization, nuclear capabilities, and regional deployments.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth raised concerns last month over Chinese activities around Taiwan and in the South China Sea during discussions with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun. China has steadily increased naval, air, and coast guard presence near Taiwan, which it claims as its territory, though Taiwan’s democratically elected government rejects these claims.

The MMCA working group provides a platform for both militaries to review “typical cases of naval and air encounters”, aiming to reduce risks of miscalculation and ensure safer interactions between their forces. A follow-up session is scheduled for 2026.