China and Vietnam have launched a week-long border defense friendship exchange across southern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Vietnam's Lang Son Province, marking the ninth iteration of this annual event since its 2014 debut. The expanded program aligns with the 75th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations, combining military coordination with grassroots community engagement.
Military medical teams treated over 3,100 border residents through joint consultations and home visits from April 11-13, distributing 2,000+ medicine boxes and performing 1,300 free health checkups. Vietnamese naval vessels docked in Guangxi's Beihai City on April 13 – their first visit to the port – where personnel from both sides participated in guided tours of ships, tactical discussions, and sports activities.
The exchange culminates with the 38th joint naval patrol in the Beibu Gulf on April 17-18, reinforcing maritime security cooperation. Border communities concurrently hosted cultural programs showcasing folk arts and traditional crafts, underscoring the initiative's dual focus on security and people-to-people ties.
