125th joint patrol on Mekong River begins
KUNMING - Law enforcement authorities from China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand joined forces on Sunday for the start of the 125th Mekong River joint patrol.
Two Chinese vessels departed Sunday morning from Jingha Port in Southwest China's Yunnan province for the mission.
The patrol, expected to last four days and three nights, will focus on tackling cross-border crimes to ensure safety and stability along the river.
The Mekong River -- known as the Lancang River in China -- is a vital waterway for cross-border shipping. The four countries have been conducting joint patrols on the river since December 2011.
In 2022, law enforcement authorities from the four countries carried out 12 joint patrols, sending more than 200 ships and 2,700 law-enforcement personnel.
