South Korea has warned China that it's Coast Guard is prepared to use force and firearms against the Chinese boats if they continue to operate illegally in its territorial waters.

Nearly 40 "illegal" Chinese fishing vessels allegedly rammed into and sank a South Korean Coast Guard boat in the South Korean exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on Friday.  The incident heightened tensions between the two countries and prompted South Korea to issue a stern warning against China.

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"The Coast Guard's plan includes the active use of force and firearms, including cannons, crew-served weapons and small arms, against boats and sailors that violently interfere with the authorities' execution of their duties," South Korean news agency Yonhap reported.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Cho June-hyuck said on Tuesday that South Korea expects China to recognize the gravity and seriousness of the latest incident and face up to the fact that there were serious "acts of defiance against our law enforcement officers by Chinese fishermen illegally poaching in our seas."

Earlier on Tuesday, South Korea has summoned Chinese ambassador in the country Qiu Guohong to lodge its official protest over the issue. Deputy foreign affairs minister Kim Hyoung-zhin told the Chinese envoy to take measures to prevent a repeat of Friday's incident. He also demanded an immediate probe for what happened.

China, on the other hand, asked Seoul to remain calm and handle the issue rationally.

"We hope South Korea can start from the perspective of the broader situation in bilateral relations and calmly and rationally handle the relevant issue," foreign ministry spokesperson Gen Shaung said in a regular press briefing on Monday. 

Tagschina, South Korea, fishing vessels, coast guard, EEZ