116th joint patrol on Mekong River begins

The enforcement vessel from China, which is participating in the 88th Mekong River joint patrol, pulls out Guanlei Port in southwest China's Yunnan Province, Nov. 19, 2019. (Xinhua/Wu Han)

Law-enforcement authorities from China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand joined forces on April 26 to start the 116th Mekong River joint patrol.

Three Chinese vessels departed at 9 a.m. from Jingha Port, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, according to the provincial public security bureau.

During the four-day patrol, the four countries will carry out non-contact operations to safeguard safety and stability along the river basin.

The Mekong River, known as the Lancang River in China, is a vital waterway for cross-border shipping.

China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand have been conducting joint patrols on the river dating back to December 2011.