PANO – The Vietnam Coast Guard and the China Coast Guard have successfully concluded their first joint patrol of 2026 in the waters adjacent to the demarcation line in the Gulf of Tonkin, conducted over nearly one week (April 20–25).
The patrol covered 13 points along a distance of 255.5 nautical miles, stretching from the Northeast of Con Co Island to the Southeast of Tran Island along the Gulf of Tonkin demarcation line.
The mission was completed successfully with absolute safety. It contributed to maintaining security, peace, stability, order, and safety in the Gulf of Tonkin waters, while reinforcing and enhancing cooperation between the two coast guard forces. The patrol was particularly meaningful as it took place amidst a series of high-level diplomatic engagements between the two Parties, States, and militaries of Vietnam and China. Notably, the state visit to China by Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam from April 14 to 17, 2026 has helped strengthen political trust and set directions for future bilateral cooperation.
Reporters from People’s Army Newspaper captured moments from the joint patrol.
Translated by Trung Thanh
