China proposes common security set up for Mekong river

BEIJING: Calling for speedy trial of nine Thai soldiers accused of killing 13 Chinese crew members of two cargo ships on the Mekong river, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao called for joint security mechanism between China, Thailand, Laos and Myanmar to ensure free navigation on the river.

In a phone conversation with his Thai counterpart Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday, Wen urged her government to punish the servicemen according to Thai laws.

The soldiers turned themselves in to police last week in Bangkok.

The two Chinese ships, the Hua Ping and Yu Xing 8, were attacked on the Mekong River nearthe Thai-Myanmar border on October 5.

Wen also also called for the establishment of a joint law enforcement and security mechanism between China, Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, to ensure navigational safety on the Mekong River, Chinese official media reported.

Yingluck expressed sorrow over the murder of the crew members and promised to hold the killers accountable.

The Thai leader added that Thailand is willing to work with China and other countries to enhance security on the Mekong River.

The suspects, including a major and a lieutenant, were servicemen of the Third military command of the Thai Army.

Meanwhile Chinese Defence Minister Liang Guanglie met Laotian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Douangchay Phichit and discussed the common security for the navigation on the Mekong river.

The two countries will enhance cooperation in law enforcement and security on the Mekong River, he said.