Chinese vice Foreign Minister Song Tao on Thursday summoned diplomatic envoys from Thailand, Laos and Myanmar and urged the three nations to intensify their investigation of a gruesome attack on Chinese ships on the Mekong River.

Vice Foreign Minister Song Tao on Thursday summoned diplomatic envoys from Thailand, Laos and Myanmar and urged the three nations to intensify their investigation of a deadly attack on Chinese ships that occurred on the Mekong River.

Song said all three countries should try to find out the truth of the incident as soon as possible and produce timely reports of the investigation.

Song also urged the three nations to protect Chinese ships and sailors currently stranded in the Chiang Saen Port. He also asked them to help Chinese patrol vessels in escorting the ships and sailors.

Song said China has urged the countries to take effective measures to strengthen the protection of Chinese ships and sailors on the Mekong River and its relevant waters and to avoid such tragedy from happening again.

China will work with all sides to ensure the safe shipping along the Mekong River, Song said.

The Chinese government is shocked and deeply saddened by the accident and strongly condemns the atrocities committed by the criminals, Song said.

The Chinese government treasures the safety of every citizen, he said. 

China demands a thorough investigation into the accident and hopes that criminals will be brought to justice, Song said.

Envoys from the three nations expressed condolence for the victims. All three countries will work with China to launch an active investigation and properly handle the aftermath of the incident, the envoys said.

On Oct. 5, 12 Chinese were killed and one was missing after two cargo ships, the Hua Ping and Yu Xing 8, were attacked and hijacked by an unknown group of armed men on the Mekong River.