The Chinese and Vietnamese navies began a two-day joint patrol in the Beibu Bay on June 27, according to the Chinese military. It is their 34th joint patrol here since the two countries signed a bilateral agreement in 2005 to conduct joint patrols in the waters. During the mission, the two sides will conduct joint patrols and drills on search and rescue, and light communication, as part of the efforts to strengthen friendly relations between the two militaries.