Vietnam and China Hold Historic Live-Fire Naval Drill in 10th Border Defense Friendship Exchange

For the first time in the history of bilateral military cooperation, the navies of Vietnam and China conducted live-fire exercises using light weapons as part of anti-piracy drills, marking a significant milestone in defense relations between the two neighboring countries.

The landmark exercise took place within the framework of the 10th Vietnam-China Border Defense Friendship Exchange, a recurring event designed to strengthen military ties and promote mutual trust between the two nations. The inclusion of live-fire drills represents a notable deepening of practical cooperation beyond ceremonial exchanges.

The anti-piracy scenario chosen for the exercise reflects shared security concerns in regional waters, where both countries have vested interests in maintaining maritime stability. By conducting joint drills targeting common threats, the two navies demonstrated a willingness to collaborate on real-world security challenges facing the region.

The Border Defense Friendship Exchange has grown considerably since its inception, evolving from largely symbolic gestures into increasingly substantive military engagements. The introduction of live-fire components signals that both sides are committed to elevating the quality and operational significance of their cooperative activities.

Officials from both countries hailed the exercise as a positive step forward in Vietnam-China defense relations, emphasizing that such cooperation contributes to peace, stability, and security along the shared border and in surrounding maritime areas.

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