Making sacrifices to protect the river
The sun-scorched decks of the patrol ships on the Mekong River were so hot one could have fried eggs on them, and although air conditioners lowered the temperature in the cabins, the resultant humidity left several of the crew with arthritis.
Chinese police are not allowed to enter other countries' territory without express permission, so when the patrol fleet was moored at Maung Mo, the officers had to stay on board ship throughout the two-day layover. Cellphones were collected and placed in a locked drawer, meaning the officers had no means of entertainment except a few DVDS and some books.
About 60 percent of the 300 officers in the Waters Division were transferred from marine police forces in 10 provinces, according to Jin Shangwen. Many of them worked for the old China Marine Police, which became the China Coast Guard under the State Oceanic Administration in March.
