After completing the scheduled tasks, the Chinese and Vietnamese naval vessel formations held a departure ceremony on Friday, marking the successful conclusion of the 40th joint patrol in the Beibu Gulf and the first joint maritime training, the official WeChat account for China's Ministry of National Defense announced on Sunday.

The Chinese and Vietnamese naval vessel formations consisted of the Chinese Navy ships Hengyang and Enshi, and the Vietnamese Navy ships Tran Hung Dao and Ly Thai To. Prior to this, the formations had completed force assembly and port-side exchange activities in Fangchenggang, South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Following the departure ceremony, the joint patrol commenced, with the formations cruising in double column along the China-Vietnam demarcation line in the Beibu Gulf in an orderly manner.

The two sides alternated command of the formations as planned, exchanged information elements, and gained comprehensive situational awareness of the maritime area. After sailing for a period of time, the formations arrived at the predetermined sea area and immediately commenced joint maritime training, successively completing drills such as joint escort of simulated merchant vessels, engaging "pirate" targets with artillery and machine guns, and joint search and rescue of distressed personnel at sea.

The concluded patrol also brought the 10th China-Vietnam border defense friendship exchange to a successful close. The 10th China-Vietnam border defense friendship exchange was held from March 16 to 20 in relevant regions and border gates in Guangxi, China, and Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam, as well as in the waters of the Beibu Gulf, according to the Ministry of Defence.

During the event, the two sides successfully organized joint patrols and joint training of naval vessel formations, border area medical outreach, cultural and sports activities involving border military personnel and civilians, and laying wreaths at the monument to the revolutionary martyrs of China and Vietnam. This exchange played a positive role in the two countries' continued deepening of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and accelerated efforts to build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future of strategic significance.