Joint search and rescue for drowning personnel subject training during the China-Vietnam 40th joint patrol in the Beibu Gulf. Photo: China's Ministry of National Defense

After completing their scheduled tasks, Chinese and Vietnamese naval vessel formations held a departure ceremony on Friday to mark the successful conclusion of the 40th joint patrol in the Beibu Gulf and the first joint maritime training, the official WeChat account for China's Ministry of National Defense announced on Sunday.

The Chinese and Vietnamese naval vessel formations comprised the Chinese Navy ships Hengyangand Enshi, and the Vietnamese Navy ships Tran Hung Dao and Ly Thai To. Before departing, the formations completed force assembly and port-side exchange activities in Fangchenggang, South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Following the departure ceremony, the joint patrol began, with the formations cruising in double column along the China-Vietnam demarcation line in the Beibu Gulf in an orderly manner.

The two sides alternated command of the formations as planned, shared information, and developed comprehensive situational awareness of the maritime area. After a period of sailing, the formations arrived in the designated sea area and immediately began joint maritime training, conducting successive drills such as escorting simulated merchant vessels, engaging "pirate" targets with artillery and machine guns, and performing joint search-and-rescue operations for distressed personnel.

The patrol also brought the 10th China-Vietnam border defense friendship exchange to a successful close. The 10th China-Vietnam border defense friendship exchange was held from March 16 to 20 in relevant regions and border crossings in Guangxi, China, and Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam, as well as in the waters of the Beibu Gulf, according to the Ministry of Defence.

During the exchange, the two sides successfully organized joint patrols and joint training of naval vessel formations, border area medical outreach, cultural and sports activities involving border military personnel and civilians, and laid wreaths at the monument to the revolutionary martyrs of China and Vietnam. The exchange contributed positively to the continued deepening of the two countries' comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and accelerated efforts to build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future of strategic significance.