China joined a Pacific-wide tsunami drill on Wednesday to test how well the warning system is, an official with the State Oceanic Administration (SOA) said.

 

The "Exercise Pacific Wave 2006" drill simulated two massive undersea earthquakes -- one off the coast of Chile, the other north of the Philippines, said Chen Lianzeng, SOA deputy director.

 

It is the first drill of its kind in China, he said.

 

China was among 32 Asian and Pacific nations and regions, including Australia, Chile, New Zealand, participating in the region-wide tsunami warning drill.

 

The drill was organized by UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, Chen said.

 

He said that regular tsunami drill is one of the best ways to test a country's tsunami warning system and emergency plans.

 

The Indian Ocean tsunami claimed more than 200,000 lives in 2004.

 

(Xinhua News Agency May 18, 2006)