On the morning of 10/3, the Ministry of National Defense held a press conference to introduce the 10th Vietnam - China border defense friendship exchange, scheduled for 18-19/3.

A key highlight of the program is the joint patrol and joint training activities in the Gulf of Tonkin between the two navies. These activities aim to enhance coordination, improve management effectiveness, and maintain maritime security in the region.

The Vietnam People's Navy announced it would deploy a task group comprising two ships, 015 Tran Hung Dao and 012 Ly Thai To, from Brigade 162, Naval Region 4, to participate in joint patrols and training with the Chinese Navy. These two ships are part of a four-ship missile frigate squadron, which also includes 011 Dinh Tien Hoang and 016 Quang Trung. The vessels were commissioned into active service with the Vietnam People's Navy in 2011 and 2018, and are managed and operated by Brigade 162, Naval Region 4.

According to the plan, the Vietnam People's Navy and the Chinese Navy will conduct joint patrols in the Gulf of Tonkin within areas collaboratively designated by both sides. They will also organize training in various subjects, including: formation maneuvering, maritime escort, handling light signals at sea, anti-piracy drills, sharing search and rescue experience, and ship damage control.

The exchange takes place in Quang Ninh province (Vietnam) and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (Trung Quoc). Its broader goals are to promote more substantive defense cooperation and strengthen friendship, solidarity, and cooperation among border protection forces, local authorities, and people in the border areas of both nations.

The Vietnam People's Navy parades at sea to commemorate A80. Photo: Vietnam People's Navy

Colonel Tran Van Loi, Head of the Asia Division, Department of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of National Defense, stated that this exchange holds significant importance amid rapidly evolving and complex global and regional situations.

In Vietnam, the main activities include: planting friendship trees, groundbreaking for a friendship medical station in Hai Son commune, visiting Tran Phu High School, visiting Tra Co Border Post, and conducting bilateral talks.

On 19/3 in Trung Quoc, both sides will visit a border company, plant friendship trees at the unit, tour the Ho Chi Minh Trail at sea relic, visit local enterprises, and lay wreaths at the Vietnam - China People's Revolutionary Martyrs Memorial.

Previously, within the framework of the 9th Vietnam - China border defense friendship exchange, the Vietnam People's Navy dispatched a task group comprising ships 015 and 016, along with a delegation, to Trung Quoc to participate in exchange activities and conduct joint patrols in the Gulf of Tonkin with the Chinese Navy.