Vietnam and China Navies launch 40th joint patrol in Gulf of Tonkin
VOV.VN - As part of the 10th Vietnam-China Border Defence Friendship Exchange, the navies of the two countries commenced their 40th joint patrol and combined training exercise in the Gulf of Tonkin on March 19.
The departure ceremony took place at Fangchenggang Port, Guangxi, China, in the presence of General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defence of Vietnam, and Senior Lieutenant General Dong Jun, Minister of National Defence of China.
Commanders of the two navies reported that they had successfully completed cultural and sports exchanges and thoroughly coordinated all tasks for the patrol.
During this joint patrol and training exercise, the Vietnam People’s Navy deployed two missile frigates Tran Hung Dao and Ly Thai To, while the People's Liberation Army Navy of China deployed two missile frigates Hengyang and Enshi of its ship squadron.
The operation will cover eight patrol routes and nine waypoints, spanning a total of 247 nautical miles over 28 hours. All vessels and technical equipment are fully operational, and officers and sailors are well-prepared for their missions.
Training activities will include formation maneuvering, maritime escort operations, signal communication, anti-piracy drills, search and rescue, and ship defence operations.
Prior to this mission, the Vietnamese and Chinese navies had successfully conducted 39 joint patrols and multiple combined exercises in the Gulf of Tonkin. This mechanism has helped maintain security and order in the region, enhance the navies’ readiness for non-traditional security challenges, and strengthen trust and mutual understanding between the two naval forces, thereby contributing to the broader Vietnam-China defence relations.
After receiving final instructions from the two defence ministers, the vessels departed Fangchenggang Port to begin their joint patrol and training operations. Weather conditions in the Gulf of Tonkin are reported to be favourable for the mission.
Vietnam Defence Minister arrives in China for Border Defence Friendship Exchange
VOV.VN - General Phan Van Giang, Politburo member and Minister of National Defence, led a high-level Vietnamese delegation to China on August 19 to participate in the 10th Vietnam–China Border Defence Friendship Exchange following activities held in Vietnam a day earlier.
