The Lancang-Mekong River serves as a large conduit for trade between China and its neighbors, but it’s also been a hotbed of trafficking, terrorism and others forms of crime. In December 2011, security authorities in China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand launched a joint-patrol project after gunmen stormed two Chinese vessels and killed 13 Chinese sailors. 

The monthly patrol covers more than 250 kilometers, from Guanlei Port in southwest China's Yunnan, all the way down to the Golden Triangle. So far, the four countries have conducted 55 patrol missions, and helped save and rescue 150 cargo ships.

There is also a series of cultural exchange programs and epidemic prevention efforts going on. Another important achievement is combating drug trafficking.

According to latest reports, drug trafficking out of the Golden Triangle is on the rise. Myanmar is the top source of heroin shipments. And most of the world's methamphetamine is produced in the Mekong area. 

Six countries along the river have initiated the Safe Mekong Joint Operation. They seized nearly 13 tons of drugs in 2016 alone, and captured about 10,000 drug-related criminal suspects. There's also cooperation in the security sector. Countries are now working to contain threats like terrorism and cyber crime.

People along the river say life has gotten safer.