The Chinese and US militaries convened 2024's second working group meeting and annual conference of the China-US Military Maritime Consultative Agreement in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province from November 6 to 8, the Chinese Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

Spokesperson Wu Qian made the announcement at a regular press conference on Thursday in response to a question regarding foreign media reports on the event.

Wu said that the purpose of this meeting was to implement the important consensus reached by the head of state of both countries and promote the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of military relations between the two nations.

Based on mutual equality and respect, the two sides engaged in candid and pragmatic exchanges over the China-US maritime and aerial security situation, assessed the annual implementation of the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea between China and the US, discussed measures to improve maritime military security issues between the two countries, and exchanged views on the agenda for the 2025 working group meeting, Wu said.

The spokesperson noted that The Chinese side believes that this kind of communication facilitates interactions between the frontline troops of the Chinese and US militaries in a more professional and safe manner, reducing the risks of misunderstandings and misjudgment.

At the same time, the Chinese side firmly opposes any actions that endanger China's sovereignty and security under the pretext of freedom of navigation and overflight, and the Chinese side will continue to resolutely defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in accordance with laws and regulations, and safeguard regional peace and stability, Wu noted.

The Chinese Defense Ministry announced on Saturday that the second-phase mission of the 9th joint air strategic patrol by the air forces of China and Russia in the Western Pacific was completed that day. An expert interviewed by the Global Times said that it is completely normal for the two countries' air forces to conduct such operations regularly at their doorsteps. 

On Friday, the Chinese Defense Ministry issued a statement confirming that, according to the annual cooperation plan between the two military forces, China and Russia's air forces had organized the 9th joint air strategic patrol over relevant airspace in the Sea of Japan on that day. In June 2023, the joint air strategic patrol between China and Russia was divided into two phases for the first time, demonstrating their capability to execute strategic patrol missions tailored to operational needs.

Chinese military expert Zhang Junshe told the Global Times on Saturday that the Sea of Japan, East China Sea, and the West Pacific airspace are considered the 'doorsteps' of China and Russia, and it is entirely reasonable for the two air forces to conduct joint strategic patrols in these regions. In the straits and waters where Chinese and Russian warplanes conducted patrols, such as the Miyako Strait, Tsushima Strait, and the West Pacific, all nations have the right to freedom of navigation and overflight, he said.

For joint air strategic patrols conducted by the air forces of China and Russia in the Sea of Japan and other waters, some foreign media outlets said the patrols may be aimed at countering the US' plans to deploy intermediate-range missiles in Japan. 

In response, Zhang stressed that during the patrol, the Chinese and Russian military aircraft operated professionally, safely, and in full compliance with international laws and norms. Relevant countries should approach China and Russia's routine air strategic patrols with objectivity instead of issuing unwarranted criticisms, he said. 

For the first time during the latest patrol, China's air force used the H-6N strategic bomber. Zhang said that this deployment was based entirely on operational and training requirements. The H-6N is emblematic of the strategic transformation of the People's Liberation Army Air Force and is capable of long-range operations. The joint flight of Chinese and Russian fighter jets over relevant straits and their advance into the Western Pacific for air strategic patrols has demonstrated and bolstered the two nations' capability for joint operations at sea, Zhang noted.

China strongly condemns and firmly rejects the wanton and provocative action that Lithuania's Foreign Ministry, without any reason, declared relevant diplomatic personnel of the Office of the Chargé d'Affaires of China in Lithuania "persona non grata" and demanded that they leave the country within the time required, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday.

As many are aware, on issues concerning China's Taiwan region, Lithuania has been acting in serious violation of the one-China principle and breached the political commitment Lithuania made in the communiqué on the establishment of China-Lithuania diplomatic relations, according to the spokesperson of the ministry.

This has caused severe difficulty for bilateral ties. Three years on since the downgrade of bilateral ties with China, Lithuania has again taken detrimental action that further exacerbates the relations.

China calls on Lithuania to immediately stop undermining China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and stop creating difficulty for bilateral relations. China reserves the right to take countermeasures against Lithuania. 

We hope the upcoming new government of Lithuania will follow the prevailing international consensus, abide by the one-China principle, and foster conditions for the normalization of China-Lithuania relations, according to the spokesperson.

Relations between China and Lithuania soured after the Baltic state allowed the island of Taiwan to open its so-called representative office in Lithuania in 2021, which China called a blatant violation of the one-China principle and international rules. China later downgraded its diplomatic relations with Lithuania to the level of chargé d'affaires.

Lithuania's incoming prime minister said he's open to restoring diplomatic relations with China three years after a trade dispute led to Beijing downgrading its ties with the Baltic nation, according to a Bloomberg report.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday at a regular press briefing that China also noted that a new Lithuanian government is about to be formed and several political leaders have expressed their desire to improve relations with China.

The Chinese side hopes that the new Lithuanian government will take concrete actions to abide by the political commitments made in the communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, adhere to the one-China principle, and promote the return of bilateral relations to the right track, said Lin.