In a significant demonstration of cross-border cooperation, Chinese and Vietnamese military forces conducted simultaneous free medical clinics along their shared frontier on Tuesday. The event, part of the 10th China-Vietnam Border Defense Friendship Exchange, provided healthcare services to over 1,700 local residents from both nations.
The medical initiative unfolded concurrently in Dongxing city within China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Hoanh Mo commune in Vietnam’s Quang Ninh province. For approximately four hours, military physicians from both countries worked side-by-side at 16 medical stations established at a square outside Dongxing’s gymnasium facility.
The comprehensive medical services encompassed more than ten specialized departments including cardiology, rehabilitation therapy, traditional Chinese medicine, and ultrasound examinations. A contingent of 80 military medical professionals from both nations participated in the humanitarian effort, delivering care across 1,707 patient consultations.
Among the beneficiaries was Vu Thi Chin, a 53-year-old Vietnamese merchant who frequently traverses between Dongxing and Vietnam’s Mong Cai for border commerce. Following gallbladder surgery, she sought cardiac health guidance and dietary recommendations from Chinese military doctors. Vu expressed profound appreciation for the medical assistance, noting the physicians demonstrated exceptional skill and patience in addressing her health concerns.
Chinese rehabilitation specialist Wang Li described his participation as an honor, emphasizing that supporting border communities aligned with military service principles. The collaboration additionally provided a platform for medical professionals from both militaries to exchange clinical insights and treatment methodologies for prevalent health conditions.
This medical diplomacy initiative precedes scheduled joint naval operations in the Beibu Gulf, marking the 40th such coordinated patrol between Chinese and Vietnamese forces. Vietnamese frigates Tran Hung Dao and Ly Thai To have docked in Guangxi’s Fangchenggang city to join Chinese vessels CNS Hengyang and Enshi for these maneuvers.
The upcoming naval exercises will incorporate formation maneuvering, joint escort operations, anti-piracy simulations, and search-and-rescue missions. This year holds particular significance as it commemorates the 20th anniversary of Sino-Vietnamese joint naval patrols in the Beibu Gulf—a mechanism that has evolved into a crucial platform for military diplomacy between the neighboring nations.
According to statements from China’s People’s Liberation Army South China Sea Fleet, these cooperative efforts substantially contribute to enhancing mutual trust, deepening bilateral cooperation, and collectively maintaining regional peace and security stability.