China builds maritime ‘rescue center’ on Kagitingan reef

China has successfully established a maritime rescue center on one of its military outposts on Kagitingan or Fiery Cross reef, Chinese state-run news agency Xinhua reported on Tuesday.

According to a report on "State of the Nation with Jessica Soho" on Wednesday, the facility was reportedly built to support rescue operations within the disputed territory in the West Philippine Sea.

The report also said a Chinese vessel had been sent to Zamora or Subi Reef to conduct "emergency response operations" in July.

Another ship, which was "staffed with eight to 10 rescuers with diving equipment," had reportedly been deployed to the area in October.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has yet to comment on the development. —LDF, GMA News