Vietnam, China complete Gulf of Tonkin patrol exercise, hold first live-fire anti-piracy drill

According to the Vietnam People’s Navy under the Ministry of National Defense, the missile frigates 015-Tran Hung Dao and 012-Ly Thai To returned to Cam Ranh Naval Port on Sunday after concluding the 40th joint patrol and training exercise with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy under the 10th Vietnam-China Border Defense Friendship Exchange.

After participating in exchange activities at Fangcheng Port in Guangxi, China, which began on March 16, the Vietnamese ships and China’s 568 and 627 formed a joint formation on the afternoon of March 19 and began patrol and training operations in the gulf.

In total, the two sides covered about 247 nautical miles over 28 hours, patrolling eight routes and passing through nine designated points.

They carried out a range of training drills, including formation maneuvering, maritime escort, light-signal communication, anti-piracy operations, search and rescue, and ship survivability exercises.

A new feature of this year’s program was the anti-piracy drill, in which the two navies conducted live-fire exercises with light weapons for the first time.

In a simulated scenario, the joint patrol force was escorting vessels and maintaining maritime security in international waters when it received a report of a suspected pirate ship.

After repeated warnings were ignored and the suspicious vessel continued its attack, commanders from both sides ordered forces to approach and neutralize the target.

Throughout the patrol and training, the two naval groups coordinated closely, responding to situations according to exercise objectives while ensuring the absolute safety of personnel and equipment.

Lieutenant Colonel Pham Anh Tuan, deputy commander and chief of staff of Brigade 162 under Vietnam’s Naval Region 4, said the exercise demonstrated both navies’ ability to operate weapons and technical equipment, maintain combat readiness, and coordinate effectively at sea.

He added that the success of the patrol and training also reflected strong defense cooperation between Vietnam and China, contributing to maritime security and safety while helping preserve peace and stability in the region.