Vietnam and China navies meet ahead of joint patrol and training
VOV.VN - Commanders of Vietnamese and Chinese naval task groups held a courtesy meeting on March 16 at Fangchenggang Port as part of activities linked to the 10th Vietnam–China Border Defence Friendship Exchange and a planned joint patrol and training exercise in the Gulf of Tonkin.
The Vietnamese task group includes two missile frigates Tran Hung Dao and Ly Thai To, operated by Brigade 162 under Naval Region 4 of the Vietnam People's Navy.
At the meeting, Senior Colonel Han Feng, deputy chief of staff of the Guangzhou Naval Base of the People's Liberation Army Navy, welcomed the Vietnamese naval delegation and the two frigates to Fangchenggang.
He expressed hope that the visit and related activities within the framework of the 10th Vietnam–China Border Defence Friendship Exchange would leave positive impressions on officers and sailors of both navies.
Senior Colonel Do Minh, deputy commander of Naval Region 4 and head of the Vietnamese naval delegation, thanked the Guangzhou Naval Base and the Chinese navy for their warm reception.
He said he believes that with joint efforts from both sides, activities under the exchange programme as well as the upcoming joint patrol and training in the Gulf of Tonkin would be successfully carried out.
The activities are expected to enhance mutual understanding and trust between the two navies and further strengthen friendly relations between the armed forces of Vietnam and China, he said.
During the meeting, commanders of the two naval task groups also noted that the joint patrol mechanism between the two navies has contributed to maintaining security and order in the Gulf of Tonkin, while improving the ability to respond to non-traditional security challenges.
According to the Vietnam People's Navy, the upcoming joint patrol and training exercise between the two sides will include several new elements.
Notably, the defence ministers of both countries are expected to attend in person at Fangchenggang Port to receive a report from the task group commanders before authorising the departure of the vessels for the mission.
Training activities will also be expanded and diversified. For the first time, the two navies will conduct live-fire exercises using light weapons as part of anti-piracy training.
PM pushes for enhanced Vietnam–China strategic cooperation
VOV.VN - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called for stronger strategic coordination between Vietnam and China in foreign affairs, defence and public security during his reception for visiting Chinese ministers in Hanoi on March 16.
