China and Vietnam's coast guard strengthen bonds

Coast guards of China and Vietnam have had increased exchanges this year in a bid to deepen mutual trust as well as promote practical maritime cooperation.

A series of activities, including joint patrols, high-level meetings and visits of coast guard vessel, have been conducted in recent months.

On Dec 4, a Vietnam Coast Guard vessel CSB 8002, docked at Changzhou island in China's Southeast Guangzhou for a five-day visit.

The vessel, 90 meters long and 14 meters wide, has a capacity of over 12,000 horsepower and can operate at a maximum speed of 21 nautical miles per hour. It is able to operate continuously for 40 days at sea at a range of 5,000 nautical miles, Vietnamese media reported.

At the welcoming ceremony, Major General Yu Zhong, director general of China Coast Guard, said that the close and trustful cooperation between China and Vietnam coast guards in recent years has set an example for maritime law-enforcement agencies worldwide.

Their cooperation also established a benchmark for upholding regional maritime security and stability, Yu said.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Vietnam.

Noting how oceans are facing unprecedented challenges, Yu said that, as guardians of maritime security, champions of ocean governance and protectors of marine resources, coast guards from various countries must strengthen cooperation and work together to mitigate risks and overcome difficulties.

Major General Le Quang Dao, commander of the VCG Command, said that the visit affirms the close coordination between the two forces, which is conducive to reinforcing the friendship and solidarity between the two parties, countries and peoples.

During the visit, the two coast guards also held the seventh high-level work meeting, during which they agreed to continue deepening cooperation on joint patrols in the Beibu Gulf as well as fight against maritime illegal activities.

During the VCG's stay in China, the two coast guards officers visited each others' vessels and conducted a joint search and rescue exercise. They also took part in sports activities such as table tennis, volleyball and football.

Shen Li, an officer of the CCG's Guangdong bureau, said that during the joint search and rescue drill, the VCG showed proficient skills, which impressed him a lot.

This joint exercise served as a crucial step in strengthening mutual trust and deepening the friendly and pragmatic cooperation between the two maritime law enforcement agencies, Shen said, adding that he looks forward to more in-depth exchanges.

Chen Zikui, a Chinese officer who attended a volleyball match with Vietnam coast guards, said that: "There were a lot of thrilling and unforgettable moments, the match transcended national borders, and we have fostered a deep friendship."

The visit is aimed at providing a platform for bilateral exchanges and cooperation so as to strengthen mutual trust and the ability to conduct joint law-enforcement, handle emergencies, and work together to safeguard regional maritime security and stability, Shi Yiyong, an officer from the CCG's Guangdong bureau said.

Before the visit, the VCG vessel CBS 8002 participated in a joint patrol with the CCG in the Beibu Gulf from Nov 29 to Dec 1, the second of its kind this year.

In August, a CCG delegation visited Vietnam, during which young officers from both countries discussed and exchanged experiences on key aspects such as maritime law enforcement and the protection of the marine environment.