China stations rescue ship on Philippine-claimed reef

MANILA, Philippines — Beijing has sent one of its most advanced search-and-rescue ships on the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, according to a report.

Chinese state-run newspaper China Daily reported that the Nanhai Rescue Bureau of China's Ministry of Transport has dispatched the Nanhaijiu 115 to Subi or Zamora Reef last Friday.

The ship will reportedly be stationed on the Philippine-claimed reef for an undetermined period.

"This is one of China's most advanced rescue vessels, equipped with facilities for search and rescue, first aid, emergency towing, maritime fire-fighting, oil spill cleansing, hatch-battening and leak-stopping and underwater rescue, featuring distinctive adaptability and responsiveness in maritime emergencies," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said on Monday.

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Despite China's expanding militarization in the region, Geng insisted that Beijing's constructions on the Spratly Islands aim to improve the living conditions of people stationed in the area and to address maritime security threats.

"Also, the enhanced civilian construction is designed to provide more civil and international public services to this region," Geng said.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry stressed that human life and rescue is the priority in the region and that Beijing would honor its commitment to the region with "concrete actions."

According to China Daily, the Chinese rescue that will be stationed on Subi Reef has a heliport that can accommodate medium-sized rescue helicopters.

The Nanhaijiu 115 has carried out 110 rescue missions in the South China Sea since entering service in 2010, according to the report.

Subi Reef is one of China's "big three" islands in the South China Sea, along with Fiery Cross Reef and Mischief Reef.

In May, Beijing reportedly deployed anti-cruise ship missiles and surface-to-air missiles on its three bases in the Spratly Islands. This followed reports that military jamming equipment have been installed on Fiery Cross Reef and Mischief Reef.

Last month, American television network CNBC reported that China has been quietly testing its electronic warfare capabilities in the South China Sea. The country's warfare assets on its military outposts can confuse or disable communications and radar systems.

China, meanwhile, has been consistent on its position that it is not militarizing the region.

"China is only building civilian and some necessary defense facilities on our own islands. That is the right to self-defense and preservation of every sovereign state,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Yi earlier said.