"The successful completion of the patrols signals a fresh start of the second decade of the effort," said Yuan Yaping, an official with the Public Security Department of Yunnan province. "Our team, along with members from Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, together maintain the spirit of sharing, comprehensive cooperation and sustainability and makes the Mekong a river of peace, friendship, development and happiness."

The four countries have been carrying out joint patrols along the river since December 2011.