58th joint Mekong patrol begins

The 58th joint law-enforcement patrol along the Lancang-Mekong River, operated by relevant authorities from China, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar, kicked off from Guanlei Port, Yunnan recently.

Photo/Chinanews.com

With combined sectional patrols and a full-line patrol, law enforcement vessels and personnel dispatched by China, Laos and Myanmar began their respective operations from the ports of their respective countries. They will later form a joint patrol team for the remainder of the operation. The four countries will designate commanding officers at patrol headquarters, who will coordinate inspections, visits and drills in the waters of the Golden Triangle. The patrols are part of an effort to combat terrorism, smuggling, illegal immigration and drug trafficking in the region.

Currently, joint patrol operations have been carried out on a monthly basis. Law enforcement authorities from the four countries have put in place a number of mechanisms for joint rescues, security situation information sharing, joint emergency responses, major epidemic responses and cultural exchanges, thus effectively improving security and stability along the Mekong. 

By Yang Jing; Editor: Eric Wang