KUNMING - A new round of joint patrols on the Mekong River with law enforcers from China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, started Thursday.

Seven ships participated in the 63th mission. The ships set sail from Guanlei Port in Xishuangbanna, southwest China's Yunnan Province. They will travel over 500 kilometers in four days.

During the new joint patrol, law enforcers will carry out a security situation survey and review the current security and hydrological situation of Mekong River.

The joint patrols started five years ago to tackle safety concerns over shipping on the Mekong River.