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China finally joins Philippine relief mission by sending hospital ship

Peace Ark heads for typhoon disaster area after mainland blasted for tardy response to tragedy

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The Chinese naval marine hospital Peace Ark is on its way to the Philippines. Photo: China Foto Press

China is sending a state-of-the-art hospital ship to the Philippines following criticism that it was slow and stingy in its response to one of the world's biggest typhoons, which has killed at least 4,000 people.

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The Foreign Ministry confirmed the deployment of the 14,000-tonne Peace Ark as state television reported the arrival of the first batch of Chinese relief supplies in the Philippines.

The Ark's exact area of operations and time of arrival have not been confirmed, but spokesman Hong Lei said it would set sail today.

"We hope that this action can alleviate the current situation in the Philippines, which is lacking doctors and medicine, and reflect the Chinese people's friendly feelings for the people of the Philippines," Hong said.

China's emergency medical rescue team of 51 people was expected to leave yesterday, Hong said, adding that the Red Cross Society of China was sending two batches of international rescue teams, with a first group of 16 having already left and a second group of 14 set to leave tomorrow.

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"China has always been concerned about the Philippines typhoon disaster," Hong said.

Tension between China and the Philippines has risen in recent months over disputed claims in the South China Sea, with Manila taking Beijing to a United Nations court to challenge its historic claim to much of the strategic waterway.

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