China on Monday said it will work closely with the Republic of Korea (ROK) to properly handle the clash between Chinese fishermen and ROK coastguards.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin made the remarks in response to a question at a daily news briefing.

It was reported that a Chinese fishing boat had a conflict with two ROK coastguards in the Yellow Sea on Monday. The conflict left one ROK coastguard dead and another injured.

Liu said China had noticed relevant reports and was currently verifying the situation.

China and the ROK have signed an agreement on fishing and made arrangements on the industry's management, said Liu.

The Chinese side has taken measures to improve the education of Chinese fishermen and enhance management on outward-bound fishing boats to curb cross-border fishing and irregularities, he said.

He said he hoped the ROK side would fully protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese fishermen and provide them with due humanitarian treatment.

"We are willing to work with the ROK to promote the continued healthy development of fishing cooperation between the two sides," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency December 12, 2011)