The world's largest amphibious aircraft was launched in China' Zhuhai city on Saturday. 

State-owned Aviation Corporation of China (AVIC) said that the amphibious aircraft - AG600 - has a maximum take-off weight of 53.5 tonnes, a maximum flight range of 4,500 km, and it can collect 12 tones of water in 20 seconds, according to Xinhua news agency.

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The aircraft, which is equivalent to the Boeing 737 in size, will be used to contain forest fires and conduct major marine rescue operations.

"When people fall into water, the prime time for rescuing them should be within two to seven hours," Aviation Corporation of China engineer Huang Lingcai said. "After receiving the call, we can quickly take off, land on the water surface directly, and help the victims on to the plane even under inclement weather conditions such as encountering two-meter high waves."

The seaplane, which can rescue up to 50 people in a single trip, has the capacity to store 12 tons of water. It will also be used for exploiting marine resources and transportation.

The seaplane will further boost China's military presence in the disputed South China Sea. The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration on July 12 ruled that Beijing's claims to historical rights of ownership over the disputed waters have no legal basis.

China has strongly opposed the verdict while maintaining that it has "indisputable sovereignty" over the contested waters.

Tagschina, China Amphibious Aircraft, China Seaplane, World' Largest