May 28, 2024
VIENTIANE – Four Mekong countries partner in river patrol
Officials from China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand on Friday completed another joint patrol along the Mekong in a series of joint efforts to prevent illegal activities on the waterway, which passes through or borders all four countries.
The 141st joint patrol along the Mekong River ended on May 24 after taking place over four days and three nights and covering a distance of 630 kilometres, according to the Press Office of Yunnan Provincial Public Security Department.
The patrol took place in the Golden Triangle area of the river, centering on the villages of Meuangmom and Chiangkok.
The Mekong, 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, involving more than 200 boats and 2,700 law-enforcement personnel.
During the patrols, participants from the four countries carried out search and rescue exercises and learnt how to deal with emergencies effectively.
Every year, Laos and neighbouring countries take part in joint patrols with the aim of cracking down on the burgeoning drug trade in this area, as well as other cross-border criminal activities.
The patrols have set a precedent for more transnational cooperation in regional security issues and have served to strengthen security on the Mekong, which will provide safer conditions for cross-border trade.