The coast guards of China and Vietnam successfully completed their first joint patrol of 2025 in the Beibu Gulf, according to a statement released on the official WeChat account of the China Coast Guard (CCG) on Friday, April 25.
The CCG vessels Yongxing and Xisha conducted a joint patrol with Vietnamese coast guard ships 8004 and 8003 over three days beginning Tuesday, April 22. It was the 29th joint patrol between the two sides since 2006, Chinese state-owned news agency Xinhua reported.
Following a pre-established plan and route, the combined flotilla patrolled along the maritime demarcation line of the Beibu Gulf from south to north.
During the operation, the two coast guards monitored fishing activities, conducted public outreach with fishermen, and patrolled for a total of 51.6 hours, covering 255.5 nautical miles and observing 18 fishing vessels.
The two coast guards also conducted a joint maritime search and rescue exercise.
The CCG stated it will use this opportunity to strengthen professional exchanges with the Vietnam Coast Guard, enhance maritime emergency management, and contribute to maintaining maritime peace and stability, Xinhua reported.