A Chinese navy ship carries out actual combat drills ahead of the 75th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy, April 23, 2024. /CMG

China and the United States held the second round of consultations on maritime affairs on May 24 and agreed to maintain dialogue and communication, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

China also expressed its grave concern to the U.S. over its infringement and provocation in the waters around China, and urged the U.S. to respect China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests and not undermine regional peace and stability, the statement added.

China stressed that the one-China principle is the political foundation of China-U.S. relations. "Taiwan independence" is the biggest threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, the statement said, and it urged the U.S. to immediately stop supporting and condoning "Taiwan independence" forces and fulfill its commitment of not supporting "Taiwan independence".