The Chinese government has expressed for the first time regret over the killing of a South Korean Coast Guard commando by a Chinese fisherman.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin on Tuesday told a regular news briefing that it was an unfortunate incident, expressing regret over the death of the officer.

Liu added that Seoul and Beijing are closely communicating to find details on the matter, adding that China hopes to address the case in proper ways as soon as possible through active cooperation with South Korea.