The first ministerial meeting of the China-Vietnam "3+3" strategic dialogue on diplomacy, defense and public security concluded recently in Vietnam. It was part of the 10th China-Vietnam border defense friendship exchange between the two countries, marking a new stage in bilateral strategic communication and military cooperation.

The relationship between the two sides has a long history of solidarity. From the establishment of the "Ho Chi Minh Sea Trail" 58 years ago to the planting of the first "friendship tree" during a high-level border meeting in 2014 and now the joint participation in naval patrol and training activities, this enduring friendship continues to evolve.

In both Chinese and Vietnamese cultures, the number 10 symbolizes completeness and achievement. Since its launch in 2014, the border defense friendship exchange has grown into a hallmark platform for military engagement. Under the strategic guidance of the top leaders of both parties and countries, this activity has become a model for building a community with a shared future in the region.

China's Minister of National Defense Dong Jun said during the meeting that this year's activity demonstrates the high-level and distinctive exchanges between the two militaries. The two sides need to carry forward the tradition of being comrades and brothers, maintain close strategic communication and take advantage of the border activities to contribute to the building of a community with a shared future. Additionally, this year the two sides will focus on practical cooperation that benefits the people.

Maritime cooperation is another key pillar of this partnership. The two navies have successfully conducted 40 joint patrols in the Beibu Gulf, signaling a new stage of their mutual trust and cooperation. The two sides also conducted exercises, including joint escort operations and search-and-rescue missions, improving their ability to respond to emergencies at sea and contribute to maintaining stability in shared waters.

The institutionalization of joint maritime operations highlights a high level of mutual trust and practical cooperation. It also reflects a shared vision of turning the Beibu Gulf into an area of peace, friendship and cooperation.

Against the backdrop of global turmoil and economic uncertainties, China and Vietnam are reinforcing their strategic communication and deepening cooperation by drawing on the friendship forged by earlier generations. The establishment of the "3+3" dialogue mechanism, an innovative framework at the regional level, sends a clear signal of the two socialist countries' commitment to safeguarding political security and advancing national development.

Numbers tell part of the story: 10 rounds of border exchanges, 40 joint naval patrols and 58 years of shared history. Together, they reflect both the depth of past cooperation and the direction of future engagement. Under the strategic leadership of both sides, China and Vietnam are well-positioned to further strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Looking ahead, this deepening cooperation is expected to not only bring greater benefits to the people of both countries, but also contribute meaningfully to regional peace and stability.

The author is a researcher at the People's Liberation Army's Academy of Military Science.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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