The meeting between commanders of naval squadrons from the Vietnam People’s Navy and the People s Liberation Army Navy of China on the Chinese navy frigate Hengyang 568 (Photo: QDND)

It marked the 40th joint naval patrol and training exercise in the Gulf of Tonkin, with the Vietnam People’s Navy deploying the frigates 015  Tran Hung Dao and 012 Ly Thai To.

At the meeting, the two commanders spoke highly of the effectiveness of the joint patrol mechanism in recent years, noting that it has contributed to maintaining security and order in the Gulf of Tonkin while improving coordination in responding to non-traditional security challenges.

Colonel Han Feng, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Guangzhou Base of the People’s Liberation Army Navy, expressed confidence that the visit will further strengthen friendship between naval officers and sailors of the two countries.

Colonel Do Minh, Deputy Commander of Naval Region 4 and head of the Vietnamese delegation, said that with close coordination from both sides, activities within the framework of the defense exchange, joint patrol, and joint training are expected to be carried out successfully.

This joint patrol and training session featured new elements. The defense ministers of both countries are expected to attend the event at Fangcheng Port, where they will listen to reports from the two commanders on preparation work and give the order for the squadrons to depart the port to carry out their mission.