China has for the first time sent a search-and-rescue ship to be permanently stationed at one of its man-made islands in the disputed Spratly chain of the South China Sea, state media reported.
The official Xinhua News Agency reported Saturday that the Nan Hai Jiu 115 would start its duties as soon as it arrived at Subi Reef, the largest of China's seven man-made outposts in the Spratlys and home to a lighthouse and extensive docking facilities.
Xinhua said the vessel, which can deploy medium-sized rescue helicopters, was expected to arrive at Subi Reef around Monday. It said the deployment is the first time that the country's rescue force had been stationed to the Spratlys, after massive dredging operations began there in 2013.