That was the message from Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Peter Wong Tsan-kwong, who led a delegation of Hong Kong officers to Zhuhai for a joint exercise by the three parties which helped strengthen co-ordination in combating illegal activities at sea.

The exercise held on October 8 in waters off Zhuhai was the participants' first joint seaborne drill.

Mr Wong said the three forces shared a common objective of stemming illegal immigration and cross-boundary criminal activities. The sharing of experience and closer co-operation would enhance the efficiency of the three agencies in combating crimes and containing criminal activities in the three areas.

He was speaking at a ceremony in Zhuhai's Jiuzhou Port prior to the joint drill. Mr Wong was accompanied by Director of Operations Dick Lee Ming-kwai and Regional Commander of Marine Foo Tsun-kong.

Representing the Force in the joint exercise were a fleet of 10 Police launches and 101 officers.

During the exercise the Hong Kong Police demonstrated the techniques of intercepting vessels at sea and maritime rescue operations.

From left: DCP OPS Peter Wong Tsan-kwong, Guangdong Public Security Bureau Director Chen Shaoji and Macau Secretary for Security Manuel Soares Monge at a ceremony before the exercise