Vietnamese, Chinese naval forces conduct 37th joint patrol

Commander Bui Duy Tuong directing the joint patrol

The event was attended by Frigates 266 and 267 of Brigade 170, Naval Region 1, led by Commanding Officer of Brigade 170, Commander Bui Duy Tuong and Deputy Political Commissar of the brigade Captain Nguyen Trung Kien.

Meanwhile, the Chinese side sent two Frigates 629 and 648 from Flotilla 18, led by Captain Zhou Yanxing and Captain Cheng Hongbo from the flotilla.

Firing signal flare during the joint search and rescue operations

Earlier, at 7:30 on December 3, the naval forces of both countries gathered at the assembly point. After verifying communication information and exchanging greetings according to international protocol, the two sides conducted the joint patrol in the waters surrounding the Gulf of Tonkin demarcation line covering a distance of 267 nautical miles. During the patrol, both sides carried out joint search and rescue operations, exchanged signal information, light flag signals.

The two sides’ joint patrol is conducted twice a year, contributing to deepening the traditional friendship and cooperative relations, enhancing mutual understanding and trust between the two navies, and maintaining security and order in the waters of Tonkin Gulf, while raising coordination in search and rescue operations at sea.

Returning a simulated target during the joint search and rescue operations

The 37th joint patrol was carried out in accordance with the set plan of both sides, ensuring absolute safety in personnel and technical equipment.

Translated by Quynh Oanh