Mekong River: 150 Joint Patrols Mark Decade of Regional Cooperation
The Lancang-Mekong River, a vital artery flowing through six Southeast Asian nations, symbolizes burgeoning cooperation and shared prosperity. The 150th China-Laos-Myanmar-Thailand joint patrol concluded, marking a significant milestone in regional security and underscoring the continued flourishing of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) initiative. Nine years after its inception, the LMC, driven by the “Shared River, Shared Future” philosophy, has become a dynamic force for economic development and stability, solidifying the foundations for a shared future among its member states.
This collaborative framework prioritizes political mutual trust and security cooperation, evident in the establishment of bilateral and multilateral partnerships between China and the five Mekong countries—Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. This commitment translates into tangible actions, such as joint river patrols targeting transnational crime. Furthermore, the LMC’s achievements extend beyond traditional security concerns. China, Thailand, and Myanmar have collaborated to combat the escalating threats of online gambling and telecom fraud along the Thai-Myanmar border. These joint operations have dismantled numerous fraudulent operations and repatriated a significant number of suspects, reinforcing regional security and order.
Beyond security, the LMC champions economic and sustainable development, fostering shared prosperity through enhanced connectivity and trade. The China-Laos Railway, operational for three years, exemplifies this interconnectedness. This vital rail link facilitates cross-border cargo transportation across 31 provinces in China and reaches 19 countries and regions, including Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, significantly boosting regional trade. This momentum is set to accelerate with Thailand’s approval of the second phase of the China-Thailand Railway project. This future connection with the China-Laos Railway promises a “Golden Corridor” traversing the Indochina Peninsula, further streamlining trade and facilitating economic integration. The economic impact of the LMC is undeniable. Trade between China and the Mekong countries surpassed $450 billion in 2024, double the figure from a decade prior, demonstrating the tangible benefits of this collaborative framework. This growth is further amplified by the synergistic relationship between the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the LMC, expanding “zero-tariff” benefits for agricultural products.
The LMC’s commitment extends beyond economic progress, recognizing the crucial role of people-to-people exchanges in fostering mutual understanding and cultural appreciation. Projects like the “Lancang-Mekong Sweet Spring Project,” “LMC Bumper Harvest Projects,” and the “Hundred, Thousand, Ten Thousand Action Plan on Lancang-Mekong Agricultural Cooperation” have yielded tangible benefits for tens of thousands of people, enhancing livelihoods and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Visa-free policies between China and Thailand, as well as China and Laos, further facilitate these exchanges, encouraging interaction in diverse areas like food, film, culture, and tourism. This vibrant exchange extends to youth, media, think tanks, and local communities, nurturing a culture of equality, sincerity, mutual assistance, and kinship—cornerstones of the LMC spirit.
Thailand, as the current LMC co-chair, plays a pivotal role in driving the initiative forward. Leveraging its strategic location and developmental expertise, Thailand actively champions the LMC’s goals. High-level visits and collaborative efforts between China and Thailand, including Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s visit to China earlier this year, further solidify the “China and Thailand are as close as one family” sentiment. The 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic relations this year, themed the “Golden Jubilee of China-Thailand Friendship,” provides a platform to celebrate achievements and chart future collaborations.
As China’s Ambassador to Thailand, Mr. Han Zhiqiang, emphasizes the importance of collective effort, invoking the Thai proverb, “A single tree cannot make a forest.” This highlights the collaborative spirit underpinning the LMC. Looking forward, China, alongside Thailand and other member states, aims to deepen integration, embrace innovation, and strengthen people-to-people ties. The shared vision is to usher in a “golden decade” for the LMC, marked by closer partnerships and even more impactful outcomes, ensuring a prosperous and secure future for all.
