Vietnamese, Chinese coast guards conduct joint patrol in Tonkin Gulf
Vietnamese and Chinese coast guards on December 22-23 successfully conducted a joint patrol in the Gulf of Tonkin, contributing to building the waters of peace, stability and mutual beneficial cooperation.
Vietnamese and Chinese coast guards on December 22-23 successfully conducted a joint patrol in the Gulf of Tonkin. (Photo: VNA)
Hai Phong (VNA) –Vietnamese and Chinese coast guards on December 22-23 successfully conducted ajoint patrol in the Gulf of Tonkin, contributing to building the waters ofpeace, stability and mutual beneficial cooperation.
The inspection took place after theVietnam-China agreement on fishery cooperation in the Gulf of Tonkin expired onJune 30 this year, with the aim of ensuring normal fishing activities while thetwo countries hold negotiations on cooperation content for the next period.
Vietnam’s ships 8004 and 8003 led byColonel Tran Van Tho, Deputy Commander - Chief of Staff of the Coast GuardRegion 1 Command, and China’s ships 4303 and 22603 headed by Liu Tianrong,Deputy Chief of the Nanhai Division of the Chinese Coast Guard, joined thepatrol.
The patrol targeted 13 points spanning255.5 nautical miles in the sea areas adjacent to the demarcation line in theGulf of Tonkin.
As initially planned, the coast guards willpatrol their own waters and inform each other about found violations. However,the unfavourable weather conditions hindered their efforts to inspect vesselsoperating in the targeted points.
China’s ship 4303 joining the patrol (Photo: VNA)
Although the above-said agreement is nolonger valid, Vietnam and China continue to seriously monitor the maritimeboundary agreement in the Gulf of Tonkin.
Through the monthly exchange ofinformation about violations by fishing boats, the two sides have raised theawareness of their fishermen about relevant laws and regulations set in the maritimeboundary agreement in the Gulf of Tonkin.
The joint patrol result has helped toenforce international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on theLaw of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Vietnam-Chinaagreement on the delimitation of the territorial seas, exclusive economiczones, and continental shelves in the Gulf of Tonkin signed by the two countries on December 25, 2000.
It has also played arole in preserving maritime resources in the waters and ensuring theirsustainable exploitation, popularising laws among fishermen while operating atsea, promoting the traditional solidarity, neighbourliness and friendshipbetween the two countries, consolidating confidence and creating friendly andopen relations between the coast guards and peoples of the two countries./.
Stronger efforts and determination are required to achieve and surpass the set targets, especially in the eradication of makeshift and dilapidated houses nationwide, the acceleration of public investment disbursement, and the implementation of nationally important transport projects, PM Pham Minh Chinh noted.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
Vietnamese and Chinese coast guards on December 22-23 successfully conducted a joint patrol in the Gulf of Tonkin. (Photo: VNA) 
China’s ship 4303 joining the patrol (Photo: VNA) 
