The China Coast Guard and the Vietnam Coast Guard on Monday afternoon began their first joint patrol of the year in the waters of the Beibu Gulf, the CCG announced on Monday evening.

According to a statement from the CCG, two Chinese vessels and two vessels from the Vietnamese side formed a fleet for this joint patrol.

During the joint patrol, both sides will conduct law enforcement supervision of the operational vessels of the two countries in the Beibu Gulf and maintain the order of maritime fishing production operations.

The two sides will also handle maritime emergencies properly and jointly uphold maritime stability, the statement said.

This cooperation aims to strengthen maritime security, enhance friendly relations between the two sides, and ensure the sustainable utilization of marine resources, it said.