BEIJING - China on Tuesday urged Japan to protect the legitimate rights of Chinese fishermen.

"We have been informed by the Japanese side on the relevant situation," Foreign Ministry Spokesman Liu Weimin said at a regular press briefing in response to Japan's detainment of a Chinese fishing boat.

He said the situation is under investigation and verification, adding that China has urged Japan to properly handle the issue.

Li Wenliang, consul general of the Chinese Consulate-General in Nagasaki, told Xinhua that Japan's coast guard on Tuesday detained a Chinese fishing boat captain for allegedly operating illegally in Japanese territorial waters off the Goto Islands in southwestern Nagasaki prefecture.

The local coast guard had taken the captain to its office in the city of Nagasaki. The other 10 crew members on board are now staying in the vessel, according to Li.

He said the consulate-general urged Japanese authorities to ensure the safety of the Chinese fishermen and make sure their legal rights are protected.