Vietnamese and Chinese navies begin 38th joint patrol in Gulf of Tonkin

The event was part of the 9th Vietnam - China Border Defense Friendship Exchange.

As planned, Vietnamese frigates 015-Tran Hung Dao and 016-Quang Trung will conduct the joint patrol with Ships 628 and 630 of the Chinese Navy, under the command of Sr. Capt. Zhao Yanwu, commanding officer of the Chinese Navy's missile frigate flotilla.

Before the departure, via video conference, Sr. Capts. Do Minh and Zhao Yanwu reported to the two Defense Ministers, who are attending the 9th Vietnam - China Border Defense Friendship Exchange in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, on the outcomes of the exchange activities in Beihai city, the preparation for the joint patrol, and the request for command authorization to commence the mission.

According to the plan, during the joint patrol, the two navies will conduct a joint drill on search and rescue and practice lamp signaling.

Below are photos of the event.

Ship formations of the two sides prepared to conduct the join patrol

Sr. Capt. Do Minh reports to the delegates on the outcomes of the exchange in Beihai and preparations for the joint patrol.

Vietnamese crew-members and delegation saluting the port

The ship formation of Vietnam leaving Beihai military port for the joint patrol

Reported by Ngoc Chung (from Guangxi, China)

Translated by Tran Hoai