Vietnam, China Finish Joint Patrol along Demarcation Line in Gulf of Tonkin
	Vietnam Coast Guard Joins Forces with Philippine Coast Guard in Naval Exchange

Vietnam and China Coast Guard forces conducted a joint patrol

The Vietnam and China Coast Guard forces conducted their first joint patrol of 2025 in the northern waters of the Gulf of Tonkin on February 27.

The Vietnam Coast Guard requests fishing vessels to strictly comply with regulations on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. (Photo: VNA)

Covering the sea area off Mong Cai City (Quang Ninh province, Vietnam), Dongxing City, and Fangchenggang City (Guangxi province, China), the joint patrol aimed to strengthen cooperation in combating crimes and law violations at sea.

The joint patrol, spanning from Point 1 to Point 9 along the demarcation line of the Gulf of Tonkin, covered a distance of 120 nautical miles. This area has seen vibrant export-import activities and goods exchange between Vietnam and China, but it is also abused for smuggling, trade fraud, illegal transport of goods, and unauthorized border crossings by sea.

During the patrol, the Vietnam Coast Guard engaged with dozens of Vietnamese fishing vessels operating near the maritime boundary, requesting strict compliance with regulations on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. These efforts align with Vietnam’s push to prompt the European Commission (EC) to lift its yellow card warning against Vietnam's seafood exports and promote the sustainable growth of the fisheries sector.

This marks the 5th joint patrol since 2024, with both countries' coast guard forces conducting quarterly operations to maintain maritime security and legal compliance. It reinforces security at sea, strengthens bilateral cooperation, and deepens the longstanding friendship between Vietnam and China.

Strengthening training cooperation with the French Navy

On February 27, in Hanoi, Major General Vu Trung Kien, Deputy Commander in charge of Law of the Vietnam Coast Guard received Rear Admiral Jacques Riviere, Deputy Commander for the French Armed Forces in the Pacific.

Major General Vu Trung Kien receives Rear Admiral Jacques Riviere. (Photo: VNA)

As part of these efforts, the French Navy’s multi-mission frigate Provence, carrying 159 officers and sailors, will make a courtesy visit to Ho Chi Minh City from February 28 to March 6. On this occasion, Rear Admiral Jacques Riviere expressed his hope that the Vietnam Coast Guard’s force and the Provence crew would conduct joint search and rescue exercises, further enhancing mutual exchange and cooperation.

At the reception, Major General Vu Trung Kien highly valued the positive cooperation between the Vietnam Coast Guard and the French side over the past time, noting that French Navy port calls and training programs have bolstered Vietnam’s maritime law enforcement capabilities.

He highlighted the considerable potential for further collaboration, especially in tackling non-traditional security challenges like transnational crime, environmental issues, search and rescue operations, and maritime security.

Looking ahead, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in capacity-building, information exchange, coordination, and mutual support in maritime law enforcement.

Hanoi Hosts Vietnam - China Young Coast Guard Officers Exchange Program The program kicks off in Hanoi on August 22, with the theme "Protecting the marine environment together".

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