Officers and sailors aboard Ship 015, together with a delegation from the Vietnam People’s Navy, welcome Senior Lieutenant General Dong Jun. — Photos nhandan.vn

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam and China on Thursday launched their 40th joint naval patrol in the Gulf of Tonkin, a demonstration of continuing defence cooperation and efforts to maintain maritime stability.

The launch ceremony, held at Fangcheng Port, formed part of the 10th Việt Nam–China Border Defence Friendship Exchange, attended by General Phan Văn Giang, Việt Nam’s Minister of National Defence, and Senior Lieutenant General Dong Jun, his Chinese counterpart.

The two ministers, together with defence delegations from both countries, reviewed preparations for the joint mission and participated in a ceremony marking the departure of the naval forces.

Since signing an agreement on joint patrols in the Gulf of Tonkin in October 2005, the Vietnam People’s Navy and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army have conducted regular coordinated operations. The latest mission marks the 40th patrol, underscoring sustained engagement and ongoing collaboration between the two sides.

The two defence ministers exchange views during their visit to Ship 015.

Over the past two decades, joint patrols and accompanying training activities have helped strengthen mutual trust, improve operational coordination and enhance the ability of both navies to respond to maritime security challenges.

At Fangcheng Port, the two ministers also visited participating vessels, including China’s ship 568 and Việt Nam’s ship 015, and met with officers and sailors involved in the operation.

According to commanders, personnel from both sides completed all preparatory activities, including coordination of patrol plans and exchange programmes, ahead of departure.

For this patrol, Việt Nam has deployed ships 015 and 012, while China has assigned ships 568 and 627. The mission will cover eight routes and nine designated points, spanning a total distance of 247 nautical miles over approximately 28 hours.

The two defence ministers visit an exhibition featuring images of previous joint patrols between the two navies.

The joint exercise will include formation manoeuvres, maritime escort operations, light signal communications, anti-piracy drills with live-fire exercises, search and rescue operations and ship damage control.

Following approval from the two defence ministers, the naval flotillas departed Fangcheng Port in formation to commence the joint patrol. Weather conditions at sea were reported as favourable for the operation.

The joint patrol mechanism is regarded as a key channel for maintaining security and order in the Gulf of Tonkin while fostering greater trust and cooperation between the two militaries. — VNS

Commanders of the two flotillas brief the defence ministers and request clearance to depart for the mission.