The 31st joint patrol in the Gulf of Tonkin (or Beibu Gulf) between China and Vietnam was successfully concluded according to the relevant agreement and routine annual plan between the two armies. The joint patrol, in which China and Vietnam each sent two naval vessels, sailed for 28 hours and covered a total of more than 250 nautical miles, according to Beijing Daily.
After arriving at the rendezvous position, the joint patrol ship formations of both sides exchanged greetings and good wishes using international channels. Subsequently, the two sides’ naval formations started joint patrol in a single column along the demarcation line of the Gulf of Tonkin.
During the patrol, the naval formations of both sides informed each other of the hydro-meteorological, air and sea conditions and the speed of the formation. In the course of the patrol, both sides switched command relations with each other for alternate command and organized light signal drills. Finally, China and Vietnam organized joint search and rescue drills.
After arriving at the end of the patrol line, the Chinese and Vietnamese naval formations organized the naval crews to line up and waved goodbye to each other. Thus, the 31st joint patrol in the Gulf of Tonkin between China and Vietnam was successfully concluded.
Since 2005, the two armies have successfully implemented 31 joint patrols, 15 joint exercises and 4 ship visits, which have played a positive role in further maintaining order in the waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, enhancing mutual trust between the two armies, and bringing closer friendly relations between the two countries.
From the photos, China seems to have sent two Type 056 corvettes belonging to the Navy this time, and it is rumored that all the Chinese Navy’s corvettes of this type will be transferred to the Marine Police.