China confirmed on Monday that four Chinese sailors were kidnapped on Saturday in Gabon.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular news conference that the two fishing ships that belong to Sigapeche, a Sino-Gabonese fishery company, were attacked by four unidentified armed militants. Four Chinese sailors were taken away and disappeared.

The Chinese embassy in Gabon has urged the Gabonese side to immediately investigate the case and do its utmost to rescue the Chinese sailors, he said, adding that China will continue to keep a close eye on the situation.