China has called on Peru to properly handle the detained Chinese fishermen and treat them in a humanitarian manner, a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said Tuesday.

China has learned that on Nov. 19, the Peruvian side detained nine Chinese fishing ships, and the cause of it is yet to be known,spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said at a regular press conference.

Zhang said China has repeatedly warned and educated its fishermen to abide by relevant international accords and agreements. "For the reason why the fishermen were detained, China is working for further information," she said.

China hoped the Peruvian side could handle the event quickly and properly, offer the fisherman humanitarian treatment and guarantee their safety, she added.