BEIJING - China will actively cooperate with the Republic of Korea (ROK) and properly handle a recent clash between Chinese fishermen and ROK coast guards as soon as possible, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Liu Weimin said during a regular press briefing that China regrets the "unfortunate incident" which caused the death of a ROK coast guard.

He said relevant departments in both countries are working together closely to investigate the incident.

Crew members on a Chinese fishing boat reportedly came into conflict with two ROK coast guards in the Yellow Sea on Monday, leaving one of the coast guards dead and the other injured.