Maritime rescue forces deployed at Nansha Islands

The second division of the South China Sea air rescue team under the Ministry of Transport and the Nansha maritime rescue center have been deployed to the Nansha Islands to support local maritime emergency and rescue missions, as well as supervise maritime traffic safety and ship pollution in the region, Xinhua News Agency reported on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the maritime affairs offices of Yongshu, Zhubi and Meiji reefs have also been deployed, the report said.

The joint effort could help ensure safe navigation and the normal living and working activities of people living in the region. This undertaking represents China's public service to the international community and a concrete action to proactively shoulder international responsibilities, the report said.

It is a testimony to China's principle of peaceful development and being a responsible nation, thus promoting peace, friendship and cooperation in the South China Sea, it said.

Over the last 10 years, China has conducted 197 maritime rescue missions and saved 1,721 people in the South China Sea. It has a mission success rate of 95.56 percent, which provides a solid guarantee for the safety of life and property, maritime navigation and transportation in the region.