The Mekong River, known in China as the Lancang River, is a vital waterway for cross-border shipping. At roughly 4,800 kilometers long, it crosses China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam before flowing into the South China Sea.

The No 53108 is part of the fourth generation of enforcement vessels to be deployed on the river, along with the high-speed patrol vessel No 53117.

"The two vessels will provide stronger equipment support for the patrol's high-quality development and combating various illegal activities," said Li Li, deputy director of the Yunnan Public Security Department, at a commissioning ceremony for the new vessels on Monday.