China and the United States held the first round of consultations on maritime matters in Beijing on Friday, China’s Foreign Ministry said.
The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Saturday that the two sides had frank, in-depth and constructive talks on the maritime situation, maritime security and maritime economy.
The statement said China expressed grave concern over the growing US regional military deployment, continued close reconnaissance against China, and support for violations and provocations by countries in the South China Sea.
It said both sides stressed that they should strengthen dialogue and communication to avoid misunderstandings and wrong decisions.