BEIJING - Chinese Foreign Ministry has initiated an emergency response to the detention of a Chinese civilian vessel in Japan, said a Foreign Ministry spokesman on Wednesday.

A fishing boat with 12 crew on board was detained on Tuesday, on suspicion of operating illegally in Japan's exclusive economic zone, spokesman Hong Lei told a regular press briefing.

"The Japanese side has kept China informed of the incident," said Hong.

According to media reports, the captain of the boat has been arrested.

The Chinese consulate general in Fukuoka has sent staff to the scene and visited the crew, said Hong.

The consulate has urged Japan to ensure the security and legitimate rights of the Chinese sailors, and handle the case fairly and properly in accordance with the law, the spokesman said.

All the detained sailors are in good physical conditions, he said.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry and its consulate in Fukuoka will follow the case closely, provide assistance to the sailors, and push for a prompt and proper settlement of the case, Hong said.