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Patrolling The Mekong ep.6: A glimpse of new technology at ships parade

Reporter: Meng Qingsheng 丨 CCTV.com

12-23-2016 12:35 BJT

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Joint Patrol and Law Enforcement initiative on the Mekong River. The fifth anniversary has been marked by a parade and exercises in southwest China's Yunnan Province.

Armed militants hijack a ship. Patrol vessels from China and Laos quickly respond. Using water cannons, and smoke shells, a law enforcement team finally gets a chance to board the hijacked ship, and forces the militants to surrender. This exercise reflects the real dangers of navigating the Mekong River.

"Five years after the joint patrols began, security has improved a lot on the Mekong River. I think this joint mission is necessary. We will continue to implement the consensus we reached and bring the benefits to more local people," Malysan Sengchantha from Laos' Bokeo Province Military Region said.

For the first time, this anniversary event brings together a range of patrolling ships and top level equipment. They will facilitate the joint patrol mission, and cope with potential security threats on the Mekong river.

The event is also an opportunity to display special skills. That's been made possible by upgraded technology.

"At first we were using converted civilian boats for patrols. But now, we patrol with a range of vessels specially designed for the Mekong River," Yuan Yaping, chief of Yunna Border Police's Waters Division, said.

A special guest has been invited to this anniversary event, Huang Xingqiang is the captain of a ship on the Mekong River. His brother one of thirteen sailors who were killed five years ago.

"It’s a pity that my brother had gone away. But because of that incident, the joint patrols began and improved security along the river. We feel much safer now," Huang said.

Also present at the event are trainees from Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. They will soon join the patrol crews on the Mekong River. They'll be taking on a heavy responsibility.

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