HAIKOU, April 30 -- Chinese and Vietnamese coast guards have completed their first joint patrol in the Beibu Gulf for 2024, the 27th joint patrol conducted by the two countries' maritime law enforcement agencies since 2006, an official statement said Tuesday.

The three-day joint patrol wrapped up on Monday, during which Chinese and Vietnamese coast guard ships observed and inspected fishing boats from both countries while patrolling along planned routes in the waters.

Chinese and Vietnamese coast guards have been conducting joint patrols in the Beibu Gulf twice a year, creating a model of maritime law enforcement in the South China Sea, according to the statement.

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, the statement said.

It added that the China Coast Guard will continue to enhance exchanges and practical cooperation with the Vietnamese side to properly handle maritime emergencies and jointly maintain maritime security and stability.