China and Vietnam strengthen military ties through friendship exchange

Chinese Minister of National Defense Dong Jun and his Vietnamese counterpart Phan Van Giang jointly presided over the 10th border defense friendship exchange between the two nations from Wednesday to Thursday.

In their bilateral talks, Dong stated that the two sides held the border defense friendship exchange following the first ministerial meeting of the China-Vietnam "3+3" strategic dialogue.

This series of interactions was a concrete step to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, reflecting the high level and distinctiveness of military exchanges between the two sides, he said.

The "3+3" strategic dialogue on diplomacy, defense, and public security concluded in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Monday. Dong stressed that the two militaries should carry forward the deep friendship of "comrades and brothers", maintain close strategic communication, and make full use of the branding effect of border defense exchange activities.

The defense chief added that the two sides should deepen practical cooperation in areas such as maritime security and personnel exchanges and contribute to building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future of strategic significance.

Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan stated that under the guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and countries, Vietnam-China relations have maintained strong momentum, and the border defense friendship exchange has become a model of defense ties between both countries. Vietnam has always regarded consolidating and developing relations with China as a top priority and a strategic choice in its foreign policy, he highlighted.

The Vietnamese side is ready to work with China to improve the quality and effectiveness of cooperation in various fields and to further deepen practical military ties, Phan added.

During the exchange, Dong and Phan also took part in a series of activities, including visits to border defense troops, schools, and enterprises, and planting friendship trees. They also jointly attended a departure ceremony for the China-Vietnam joint naval patrol and joint training in the Beibu Gulf and laid flower baskets at the monument to the revolutionary martyrs of China and Vietnam.