China to launch Mekong patrols in Dec with 3 other countries

Nov 27, 2011

SHANGHAI (AFP) - China will next month launch joint patrols with three other countries on the Mekong River, a key waterway where 13 Chinese sailors were killed in an October attack, state media said.

The patrols, which official media has previously said would be armed, will begin by Dec 15, the state Xinhua news agency said late Saturday.

Chinese police will join forces from Laos, Myanmar and Thailand to restore shipping and guarantee security, it said, quoting China's Ministry of Public Security following a meeting of the four countries.

The sailors died in a raid on two Chinese cargo boats on the Mekong on Oct 5 - an attack thought to have been carried out by a notorious gang in the 'Golden Triangle' area known for drug smuggling.

Posted in: World news