129th joint patrol of Mekong River concludes; China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand fufill another stint

VIENTIANE, May 29 (Xinhua): The 129th joint Mekong River patrol by China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand concluded last week, said the public security department of southwest China's Yunnan Province.

Seven vessels and 135 law-enforcement staff members from the four countries traveled over 500 km during the patrol, which lasted four days and three nights.

The Chinese side also cooperated with law enforcement departments of Laos to conduct land inspections, with more than 50 vehicles, more than 80 personnel, and more than 20 tonnes of goods checked.

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 of the river since December 2011. - Xinhua