By Zhang Bin

Vessels from the Chinese and Vietnamese navies conduct formation maneuver exercise on November 20, 2025. (Photo by Li Zhengsong)

BEIJING, Nov. 21 -- The 39th joint patrol conducted by the Chinese and Vietnamese navies in the waters of the Beibu Gulf concluded on November 20, 2025. The joint patrol lasted for two days, covering a total distance of over 330 nautical miles. Both the Chinese and Vietnamese navies dispatched two light frigates to participate. The Chinese naval fleet consisted of the guided-missile frigate Guangyuan (Hull 649) and the Type 056A corvette Aba (Hull 630).

Naval vessels from both sides rendezvoused in waters of the Beibu Gulf on November 19. The fleet then began patrolling along the maritime boundary line between China and Vietnam in the Beibu Gulf. During the joint patrol, the fleet monitored the maritime and air security situation in the Beibu Gulf.

On November 20, the naval vessels from both sides conducted a joint search and rescue exercise simulating a scenario in which one fishing vessel from each country was in distress in the Beibu Gulf. The exercise effectively improved the participating troops' organizational command and emergency response capabilities in complex environments.