Hong Kong (CNN) China has completed what it describes as the world's largest seaplane.

The amphibious AG600 is about the size of a Boeing 737 and will be used to fight forest fires and perform marine rescue operations, state-run news agency Xinhua said.

With a maximum take-off weight of 53.5 tons, the AG600 is the largest seaplane in the world, Xinhua said. It has a reported flight range of 4,500 kilometers and can collect 12 tons of water in only 20 seconds.

Military expansion

JUST WATCHED China unveils huge military plane Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH China unveils huge military plane 00:45

Earlier this month, China unveiled its first homegrown large military transport aircraft , as the country pushes to greatly expand its air power.

Read More