中越第40次北部湾联合巡逻圆满结束

The 40th joint patrol in the Gulf of Tonkin between China and Vietnam concluded successfully on March 20. This joint patrol lasted for two days, with the naval formation consisting of the Chinese Navy's Hengyang and Enshi ships, and Vietnam's Navy's "Tran Hung Dao" and "Ly Thai To" ships. During the patrol, both sides also organized training exercises for joint escort, anti-piracy, and search and rescue.

In this joint patrol, the naval formations from China and Vietnam set sail from Fangchenggang, Guangxi. In the joint anti-piracy drill, each side had a merchant ship simulate being attacked by pirates in the Gulf of Tonkin, sending out a distress signal. After confirming the information, the formations rapidly maneuvered to the scene to handle the situation, with personnel organizing verbal warnings to drive away the pirates. When various warning measures proved ineffective, they implemented firepower strikes against the pirates, successfully rescuing the trapped merchant ship.

The joint search and rescue exercise was based on the scenario of crew members from both countries' cargo ships accidentally falling into the sea. After intense searching, both sides successively discovered the "overboard personnel" from each other and successfully rescued them.

During the patrol, both sides also exchanged command authority of the formations in phases and shared information elements to comprehensively grasp the maritime situation. On the afternoon of the 20th, the naval formations reached the endpoint of the patrol line and held a separation ceremony, marking the successful conclusion of the 40th joint patrol in the Gulf of Tonkin between China and Vietnam.