China has set up a tsunami alert center in the South China Sea, the head of the country's maritime regulator said on Wednesday, as Beijing continues to assert its claim over the disputed maritime territory.

Wang Hong, head of the State Oceanic Administration, told reporters that the tsunami alert center is still under construction. However, it has already started initial operation. Wang made the revelation on the sidelines of ongoing 12th National People's Congress.

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"We have already begun issuing tsunami alerts to the international community, including countries on the periphery of the South China Sea," Wang said. "Cooperation in the South China Sea is one of our important focuses. We hope to collaborate with South China Sea countries and create a peaceful and harmonious sea."

The latest move comes after China made two big announcements relating to South China Sea last week. Beijing is set to commence civilian flight operation to the disputed South China Sea this year. China is also setting up an international maritime dispute resolution center'.  

China has been accused by its neighbors and the U.S. of carrying out provocative actions in the South China Sea in recent months - escalating tensions in the Asia Pacific region. Last month, reports emerged that China has deployed missiles and fighter jets to Woody Island.

China's decision to deploy weaponry to the disputed region has been severely criticized by other claimants nations as well as the U.S. and Australia.

On Tuesday, Malaysia's Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said that he plans to meet Australia's Defence Minister Marise Payne next week to discuss China's military buildup in South China Sea.

Beijing has remained unperturbed by these developments, saying that it would not give up its sovereignty in the South China Sea.

China is laying claim to a large part of the South China Sea, which has billions of barrels of oil below it. Several neighboring countries - Brunei, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam - have competing claims in the region.

TagsSouth China Sea, Tsunami Center in South China Sea, china