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Taiwan holds rescue exercise in disputed South China Sea
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Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen shakes hands with crew members aboard a Taiwan Navy ship before it sets out to patrol in the South China Sea from the naval base in the southern port city of Khaohsiung, Taiwan, July 13, 2016. (Taiwan Presidential Office via AP/-)
T
aiwan has held a search-and-rescue exercise in the South China Sea as part of efforts to cement its claim to a key island in the strategically vital waterbody.
Eight vessels and three aircraft took part in Tuesday's drill, which simulated a fire aboard a cargo ship that forced crew members to seek safety on Taiping in the Spratly island group.
The official Central News Agency said coast guard and navy ships participated in the exercise.
Taiwan is one of six governments that claim territory in the South China Sea. Coast guard head Lee Chung-wei told journalists on Taiping that Taiwan's sovereignty over the island is "undeniable."
In recent years, Taiwan's chief rival, China, has been aggressively pushing its claim to virtually the entire South China Sea.
