On May 24, a video conference was held where representatives of China and the United States discussed maritime issues. The event was attended by Hong Liang, Director of the Department of Border and Maritime Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, and Mark Lambert, Head of the Coordination Office of the US Department of State for China.
In his message following the talks on the official website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, he noted that the United States should not interfere in maritime disputes between China and neighboring countries, create small circles in order to use the sea to control China, and they should not undermine regional peace and stability.
The PRC also stated that the US provocations in the waters surrounding China cause it concern, and called on the States to respect the territorial sovereignty, maritime rights and interests of the Middle Kingdom.