The Chinese and Vietnamese navies have launched a week-long joint patrol in the Gulf of Tonkin, a move aimed at deepening maritime cooperation between the two countries.
From April 11 to April 17, the "border defense friendship exchange" is taking place across China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Vietnam's Lang Son Province. According to a statement from the Chinese Defense Ministry, the joint operation includes a range of activities such as search and rescue drills, signal light communication exercises, joint medical consultations by military personnel, and a naval patrol in the Beibu Gulf.
In addition to the tactical drills, military medical teams from both countries have worked together to treat over 3,100 border residents. The teams conducted more than 1,300 free checkups and distributed over 2,000 boxes of medicines to local communities. This collaborative medical effort highlights the humanitarian aspect of the joint patrol, as both sides aim to build goodwill and strengthen their relationship.
On April 13, the Vietnamese naval fleet made its first-ever visit to Beihai, China, where troops from both nations engaged in a series of activities, including vessel tours, experience sharing, and sports events, further fostering the bilateral ties.
The joint patrol also serves as a precursor to the 38th China-Vietnam joint patrol in the Beibu Gulf, scheduled for April 17-18. As part of the exercise, two Vietnamese missile frigates, Tran Hung Dao and Quang Trung, departed from Beihai military port in Guangxi, China, to join the Chinese Navy in the Gulf of Tonkin.
This joint patrol marks the ninth edition of the China-Vietnam naval cooperation initiative, which began in 2014. The ongoing efforts between the two nations reflect a commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region, particularly in light of shared maritime interests and mutual concerns.
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