BEIJING - China urges the Republic of Korea (ROK) to properly handle issues related to the detained Chinese fishing boats and to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese crew, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said on Monday.

The ROK marine police force seized three Chinese fishing boats and detained 31 crew members for investigation on October 22.

Jiang Yu told the regular press conference that the Chinese Consulate General in Gwangju was urgently dealing with the matter.

"China urges the ROK to avoid the use of violence in the law enforcement process, to civilly and properly handle relevant issues, and to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese crew," Jiang said.

Jiang also said China will closely follow the progress of the events.