China, Vietnam coast guards complete joint patrol in Beibu Gulf

Chinese and Vietnamese coast guards completed their first joint patrol in the Beibu Gulf for 2024, China Coast Guard (CCG) said on Tuesday.

The joint patrol, which started on Saturday and wrapped up on Monday, is the 27th joint patrol conducted by the two countries' maritime law enforcement agencies since 2006.

During the three-day joint patrol, Chinese and Vietnamese coast guard ships observed and inspected fishing boats from both countries while patrolling along planned routes in the waters.

Under current cooperation mechanism, Chinese and Vietnamese coast guards conduct joint patrols in the Beibu Gulf twice a year, creating a model of maritime law enforcement in the South China Sea.

The joint patrol has contributed to protecting fishery resources in the Beibu Gulf, maintaining the fishery production order, cracking down on maritime crimes, and safeguarding regional security and stability, according to the CCG.

The CCG said it will continue to enhance exchanges and practical cooperation with the Vietnamese side to properly handle maritime emergencies and jointly maintain maritime security and stability, so as to make positive contributions to the building of China-Vietnam community with a shared future.

China, Vietnam coast guards complete joint patrol in Beibu Gulf

Heavy fighting continues to rage in the northern Gaza city of Jabaliya, where the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have intensified their offensive against a regrouped Hamas, prompting civilian evacuations amidst ongoing rocket attacks.

The situation remains highly volatile, marked by fierce street battles, ongoing Israeli air and artillery strikes, with no immediate end to the fighting in sight, according to Martin Lowe, a correspondent for China Global Television Network (CGTN), who on Thursday witnessed the intense clashes from the Israeli city of Sderot, located near the Gaza border.

"In the distance, the city of Jabalia, face-to-face fighting is taking place in the city streets. Israeli air and artillery strikes are continuing. Tanks are advancing to the central area. The Israeli Defense Forces announced they had total operational control in northern Gaza in January. But as the troops left, the IDF says Hamas has regrouped," said Lowe.

"The IDF is now trying to evacuate up to 150,000 civilians because the fighting is so fierce. Hamas may be under pressure, but it's still fighting. Multiple rocket attacks have been launched back at Israel from Jabalia, while battles continue inside the city itself," he continued.

Israel intensifies offensive against regrouped Hamas in northern Gaza city