China-Vietnam friendship exchange to strengthen bonds, security, ministry says

The 10th China-Vietnam border defense friendship exchange is scheduled to be held in mid-March across designated border areas and ports of the two countries, China's Ministry of National Defense said on Sunday morning.

The exchange will take place in relevant areas and ports in China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region and Vietnam's Quang Ninh province, as well as in the Beibu Gulf, the ministry said in a news release.

During the event, the two sides will organize a series of activities, including joint patrols and joint training by naval vessel formations, free medical services in border areas, and wreath-laying ceremonies at the monument to the revolutionary martyrs of China and Vietnam, it said.

The exchange will further strengthen the traditional friendship between the two countries and militaries and enhance exchanges and mutual trust among personnel at various levels of the armed forces, the release said.

The activities will also deepen practical cooperation and improve the two sides' ability to jointly safeguard security in border areas and relevant waters, it said.