A Vietnamese naval fleet arrived at the coastal city of Fangchenggang in Southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region on Monday morning, as the 10th China-Vietnam border defense friendship exchange kicked off, which will include a joint patrol in the Beibu Gulf.

At about 9 am local time, the Vietnamese naval frigates Tran Hung Dao and Ly Thai To entered the port. Officers and sailors from the Chinese naval frigates CNS Hengyang and Enshi welcomed them at the dock, after which the commander of the Vietnamese fleet boarded the CNS Hengyang, and the two sides exchanged gifts.

According to a news release from the People's Liberation Army South China Sea Fleet on Monday, the two countries' naval vessels will set sail on Thursday for the Beibu Gulf to carry out the 40th joint patrol.

The two sides will also conduct exercises, including formation maneuvering, joint escort operations, joint anti-piracy operations and joint search and rescue.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of China and Vietnam's joint naval patrols in the Beibu Gulf. Over the past two decades, it has become an important platform for military exchanges between the two navies, the release said.

It added that the joint patrol has practical significance in enhancing friendship and mutual trust, deepening cooperation and exchanges, and jointly safeguarding regional peace, security and stability.