The U.S. and Chinese militaries have finished two days of talks on maritime security, the first such discussions since China broke off military contact to protest the U.S. sale of arms to Taiwan.

The U.S. Pacific Command said in a statement today the Honolulu meeting was aimed at increasing the safety of airmen and sailors.

The U.S. has promoted bilateral contacts to help the two powers understand one another better and avoid miscalculation.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Randolph Alles led the U.S. delegation. Rear Adm. Liao Shining of the People’s Liberation Army Navy led the Chinese side.

The two countries agreed to the Hawaii meeting late last month.