Law enforcement forces from China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand concluded a coordinated water emergency exercise on December 25 along the Lancang River in Yunnan Province's Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture. The drill involved 121 personnel and 10 patrol vessels conducting fleet reviews and real-scenario operations.
This multinational collaboration tested emergency response systems critical for maintaining security along the 4,350-km Lancang-Mekong waterway that sustains 70 million people across six countries. Participants simulated coordinated rescue missions and pollution containment scenarios reflecting actual challenges faced in this vital economic corridor.
Analysts note the exercise strengthens operational readiness ahead of 2026's anticipated increased monsoon rainfall patterns. The drill follows last year's establishment of the Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation Information Sharing Platform, marking progress in regional crisis management frameworks.
