Lao Cai, Jan. 28 -- The Border Guard Command of northern Lao Cai province and the Honghe Border Management Unit, the Hekou Entry-Exit Inspection Station in China's Yunnan province launched their 2026 joint patrol at the border demarcation line of the Lao Cai - Hekou international border gate on January 28.

Last year, patrol commands from both sides maintained regular and unscheduled joint patrols across the entire border area under its responsibility, with 12 joint patrols involving 1,200 officers and soldiers from each side. They also provided legal education for nearly 10,000 border residents, and strengthened efforts to combat crime and smuggling.

The Vietnamese side handed over 61 Chinese nationals involved in 24 cases of illegal en...