The China Marine Salvage Center helped 400 ships in distress out of danger last year, saving over 2,000 lives including 60 foreigners.
The figures were released at a meeting on salvation and prevention of marine pollution held Friday in Shanghai, China's largest industrial center. Representatives from Japan, Russia, the Republic of Korea and China attended the meeting.
China has set up salvage stations in all coastal areas and along the Yangtze River. Thirteen salvage stations are equipped with the most advanced rescue equipment in the world.
The China Marine Salvage Center received more than 500 SOS reports and launched 600 rescues last year.