Hanoi, March 20 -- The event was attended by Vietnamese Minister of National Defense Phan Van Giang and his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun.

In October 2005, the two nations signed a joint patrol agreement in the Tonkin Gulf area.

Since 2006, the two navies have continuously conducted 39 joint patrols in the Gulf of Tonkin as well as multiple joint maritime exercises within the framework of these patrols.

The joint patrol mechanism contributes to deepening defense ties, strengthening friendship and mutual trust, enhancing capabilities in responding to maritime security risks, and maintaining security and stability in the region.

The two ministers toured China's Ship Squadrons 568 and Viet Nam's Ship Squadrons 015.

During this year's joi...