BEIJING -- China here on Friday said that four Chinese fishing ships were searching for a ship of Ecuadorian origin reportedly missing off Peru.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a daily press briefing that the ship with six Ecuadorian crew members on board was reported missing on Sept. 14.

"The search is ongoing," said Hua, noting that the four Chinese fishing ships operating nearby received a request for help from the Peruvian coast guard.

"We hope the crew members will be found safe," said Hua.