China, Vietnam agree to live-fire drills in naval exercise boost

2026.03.17 11:50 Chinese and Vietnamese navy vessels pictured during their 39th joint patrol, in the Gulf of Tonkin in November 2025. Photo: Xinhua The navies of China and Vietnam have added live-fire drills to future joint training – marking a deepening of military cooperation as Vietnamese Communist Party chief To Lam hailed relations with Beijing as a “top priority”. Naval commanders from both sides held a courtesy meeting on Monday at Fangcheng port in southern China’s Guangxi, as Vietnamese frigates Tran Hung Dao (hull number 015) and Ly Thai To (012) arrived to join PLA Navy vessels for their 40th joint patrol and training exercise. According to the state-run Voice of Vietnam, the two navies agreed to expand their joint exercises to include live-fire drills with light weapons – as part of an anti-piracy training module. The decision marks a naval first for the two countries after years of joint training. In contrast, last July’s first-ever joint army training between China and Vietnam included live-fire shooting in an exercise involving reconnaissance, fire strikes and rescue and logistic support by ground troops. The latest joint naval patrol and training exercise was announced by the Chinese defence ministry on Sunday. The drills would be carried out on Wednesday and Thursday in the Gulf of Tonkin, known in China as the Beibu Gulf, as well as in waters off China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region and Vietnam’s Quang Ninh province, the ministry said. It is not clear if the live-fire component would be a part of this exercise. The exercise marks the 10th border defence friendship exchange between the two countries, and will also include medical consultations and cultural events with civilians in border areas, according to the ministry. At Monday’s meeting, Colonel Han Feng, deputy chief of staff of the PLA Navy’s Guangzhou Base, expressed hope that the visit would “leave many positive impressions and contribute to strengthening the friendship between officers

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