Vietnam-China joint fishery patrol concludes

PANO – The 11^th joint fishery patrol conducted between the coast guards of Vietnam and China in the Gulf of Tonkin concluded successfully at exactly 10am, April 23^rd as planned, marking the increasingly close relationship between the two coast guard forces, contributing to strengthening the Vietnam-China friendship.

This joint patrol has been the longest one in terms of time and distance since the first joint patrol of the kind launched in 2006.

Particularly, during the joint patrol, the two sides jointly organized programs to exchange professional contents and enhance mutual understanding, contributing to strengthening trust and promoting cooperation between the maritime law enforcement forces of the two countries.

This activity has contributed to creating a peaceful environment and favorable conditions for the two countries’ fishermen in the shared fishery grounds in the Gulf of Tonkin.

According to Colonel Pham Kim Hau, Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of the Vietnam Coast Guard, the joint patrol was successful as both sides well coordinated in implementing the plan as well as preparing patrol vehicles for the patrol. During the joint patrol, the inspected fishing boats of the two sides all abided by the Tonkin Gulf fishery cooperation agreement.

Colonel Pham Kim Hau stressed that during the joint patrol, the two sides frankly discussed the real situation of fishermen fishing in the Gulf of Tonkin; the maintenance of security, order and safety in not only the Gulf of Tonkin, but also other maritime areas; dealing with fishermen violating the agreement in a humane fashion; education for fishermen to ensure that they should abide by the law, regulations and contents outlined in the agreement; measures to create more favorable conditions for the two countries’ coast guard forces to better cooperate not only in the Gulf of Tonkin but also in other water areas.

Below are a number of photos taken during the joint patrol.

Vietnamese coast guards on board one of the Chinese coast guard ships

Receiving Chinese coast guards on board ship 8002

Vietnamese and Chinese coast guards inspecting a Chinese fishing boat

Inspecting a Vietnamese fishing boat

Bidding farewell to Chinese Coast Guard ships