Law enforcement authorities from China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand on Tuesday initiated their 157th joint patrol mission along the Mekong River to combat cross-border crime.

At approximately 9 a.m. Tuesday, two Chinese law enforcement vessels set sail from the Jingha port in southwest China's Yunnan Province, signaling the start of the coordinated mission.

Two patrol vessels from Myanmar are also involved in the 157th joint patrol. The mission will target cross-border crimes such as online gambling, telecom fraud, and drug production and trafficking, with the aim of maintaining the safety of the waterways.

During the patrol, relevant law enforcement agencies from the four countries will hold an information exchange meeting in Muang Mo, Laos, to analyze the security situation in the Lancang-Mekong river basin, discuss case information and plan future cooperation priorities.

The Mekong River -- known as the Lancang River in China -- is a vital waterway for cross-border shipping. China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand have been conducting joint patrols of the river since December 2011.