China and the United States have agreed to maintain dialogue and manage maritime risks through ongoing consultations, the Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed on Tuesday.
This agreement follows a series of discussions held last Friday, focusing on reducing misunderstandings and miscalculations in maritime affairs, as reported by Reuters.
The consultations provided a platform for both nations to exchange views on the current maritime situation.
South China Sea Tensions
The Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed serious concern over what it described as U.S. infringements and provocations in nearby waters. It urged Washington to refrain from intervening in disputes between China and its neighbors or "using the sea to control China."
China also called on the United States to immediately stop supporting and condoning "Taiwan independence" forces. The United States maintains direct interactions with Taiwan, including arms sales, which Beijing opposes. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, despite the island's self-governing status and rejection of Beijing's sovereignty claims.
Furthermore, China urged the United States not to take sides in the South China Sea disputes.
This follows Washington's extension of a security deal with the Philippines in March to include protection against attacks on the Southeast Asian nation's coast guard.
