The 2026 China-Vietnam Joint Event for the Restocking of Fishery Resources in the Beibu Gulf was held in the Beilun River estuary in Dongxing, Fangchenggang, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on May 19. The purpose of the event was to implement the Joint Statement Between China and Vietnam on Continuing to Deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era and Promoting the Building of a Higher-Level China-Vietnam Community with a Shared Future that Carries Strategic Significance, and to jointly conserve fishery resources in surrounding waters. The event was co-hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China (MARA), the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Vietnam, and the People’s Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. 

A total of 270 million fry and broodstock of seven species, including yellowfin sea bream and red sea bream, were released during this year’s event. Molecular genetic technology and external tagging were employed to dynamically track red-tailed prawn and black sea bream fry in order to scientifically assess the effectiveness of the release event. Since China and Vietnam signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Restocking and Conservation of Fishery Resources in the Beibu Gulf in 2017, the two countries have successfully held fish restocking events nine times. China alone has released a total of over 770 million fry of aquatic species into the Beibu Gulf. These events have been repeatedly highlighted in China-Vietnam joint communiqués and statements, serving as a model of fishery cooperation for countries surrounding the South China Sea. Data show that catches of key species in the Beibu Gulf have increased by 10% year on year, directly boosting the incomes of fishermen along the Beibu Gulf by more than 20%. 

Going forward, China and Vietnam will continue consultations and expedite the signing of the China-Vietnam Cooperation Agreement on Sustainable Fishery Development in the Beibu Gulf, further cooperate on joint fish restocking events, strengthen collaborative governance and cooperation between the maritime law enforcement departments of both countries, and through scientific and technological empowerment, promote cooperation across the entire fishery industry chain as well as the modernization of fishery. China will also carry out joint fish restocking events with South Korea and Russia this year, thereby further deepening cooperation and responsibly conserving fishery resources in surrounding waters. 

Representatives from MARA, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Chinese Coast Guard, and relevant departments of the People’s Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and representatives from the Consulate General of Vietnam in Nanning, participated in the event.