China-Viet Nam Joint Patrol

The Chinese vessels Xisha and Zhongjian joined the Viet Nam Coast Guard for a joint patrol in the Beibu Gulf on Monday, their second such operation this year.

The joint patrol serves as a model for maritime enforcement collaboration in the South China Sea, where both nations aim to enhance safety and stability in the Beibu Gulf. 

During the joint patrol, both sides will conduct enforcement monitoring of fishing vessels, promote educational outreach to fishermen, and engage in discussions focused on combating maritime smuggling and other illegal activities.

This will be the first time that specific efforts against smuggling have been included in their operational agenda.