18th joint Mekong Patrol concludes

The 18th round of joint patrols on the Mekong River in the Golden Triangle region concluded on Friday, as closer regional cooperation stabilizes the waterway that is vulnerable to crime.

The four-day patrol, launched by China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, saw seven ships, 62 personnel and 920 tonnes of cargo checked by police officers, according to the border defense force in southwest China's Yunnan Province.

The joint fleet also visited 32 sailors and locals, and handed out police contact cards.

Three Chinese ships and 106 law-enforcement officers joined the patrol.

The four countries also held meetings to exchange information about the security situation along the river. They vowed to deepen security cooperation.

The joint patrols started in October 2011 to tackle safety concerns raised after a gang hijacked two cargo ships and killed 13 Chinese sailors on board in the waters of Thailand on Oct. 5, 2011.

"The patrols have become an effective way to solve outstanding security problems and ensure shipping safety on the river," said Jin Shangwen, commander of the patrol fleet.