China's consular assistance contributed to the release of Chinese fishermen and their vessels detained by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), according to the Foreign Ministry's spokesman.

Three Chinese fishing boats and 29 Chinese fishermen detained by the DPRK hijackers arrive at the Dalian port following their release, May 21, 2012.

Hong Lei made the remarks at a routine press briefing on Tuesday when asked to comment on China's consular assistance for the 28 fishermen reportedly seized by the DPRK on May 8 along with the three Chinese fishing vessels they were crewing.

The spokesman said the Chinese Foreign Ministry attached great importance to the case and had maintained close contact with the DPRK side both in Beijing and Pyongyang.

During the detention, China's Foreign Ministry and embassy in Pyongyang urged the DPRK to make consular notification to China and grant consular access in line with provisions in the Sino-Korean Consular Treaty, Hong explained.

China also urged the DPRK to ensure the security and legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese fishermen, and grant them humanitarian treatment, he said.

All 28 Chinese fishermen returned home Monday after being detained by the DPRK for 13 days.

Chinese fishery authorities are investigating the case, Hong added.

Related

• Detained Chinese fishermen safe in DPRK
• DPRK urged to guarantee rights of fishermen

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