Vietnamese border guards in the joint patrol on September 16. (Photo: VNA)

The guards from the Thanh Thuy International Border Gate in Ha Giang and the Tianbao checkpoint in Yunnan’s Malipo county patrolled the border from Marker 261/2 to Marker 260+500.

They also exchanged information about imports - exports, exit - entry, and the COVID-19 situation, and discussed measures to prevent illegal border crossings.

They agreed to further improve law enforcement effectiveness along the border, examine border demarcations to detect any signs of violation, and increase communications to improve border residents’ awareness of and adherence to the law.

The two sides concurred that when the pandemic is brought under control and normal status is resumed, they will continue organising more joint border patrols, frequently share information and experience, and work together to develop economic activities, guarantee political security, social order and safety, and fight cross-border crimes, thereby helping build a Vietnam - China border of peace, friendship, cooperation and development.

Vietnam and China share a border of almost 1,450 km, including 1,065.6 km on land and 383.9 km over water. It traverses seven Vietnamese provinces (Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Lang Son, and Quang Ninh) and China’s Yunnan province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.