China has been ramping up research into advanced new military equipment, including submarines, aircraft carriers and anti-satellite missiles. Now the country has completed production of the world's largest amphibious aircraft after seven years of work. (Photo: ANI)

The AG600, which is about the size of a Boeing 737, was developed by state aircraft maker Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

The aircraft has a maximum flight range of 4,500 km and can collect 12 tonnes of water in 20 seconds. It has a maximum take-off weight of 53.5 tonnes.

It plans to use to perform marine rescue missions and fight forest fires.