Representatives of the Defense Ministry brief reporters of the 10th Vietnam-China Border Defense Friendship Exchange, Hanoi, March 10, 2026. (Photo: nhandan.vn)

The event aims to further promote substantive defense cooperation between the two countries, strengthen friendship and solidarity, and enhance coordination among border protection forces, local authorities and residents in border areas.

It also seeks to deepen ties between the two militaries, contributing to building a border of peace, friendship, stability, cooperation and development.

In Vietnam on March 18, activities will include welcoming and farewell ceremonies for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense delegation at the Mong Cai International Border Gate, a friendship tree-planting event, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Hai Son commune Friendship Medical Station, visits to Tran Phu High School and the Tra Co Border Guard Station, and bilateral talks.

In China on March 19, the program will feature welcoming and farewell ceremonies for the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense delegation at the Dongxing International Border Gate, visits to a border guard company, friendship tree planting, and joint patrol and training activities in the Gulf of Tonkin between the Vietnamese and Chinese navies. Delegates will also visit the Ho Chi Minh Trail at Sea relic site, a local enterprise, and lay wreaths at a memorial dedicated to revolutionary martyrs of Vietnam and China.

Two ships of the Vietnam People’s Navy - Tran Hung Dao (015) and Ly Thai To (012) - from Brigade 162 under Naval Region 4 will participate in the joint patrol and training with the People’s Liberation Army Navy of China.