A Chinese fishing boat has capsized in a maritime scuffle with a South Korean coast guard ship and two fishermen are missing.

South Korea's coast guard spokesman Ji Kwan-tae said the Chinese boat intentionally hit the larger South Korean ship that was trying to curb its illegal fishing activities.

Ji said South Korean coast guard officers fought with fishermen on other Chinese boats who wielded steel pipes. Four of the coast guard officers were injured.

Ji said eight people from the capsized Chinese fishing boat were plucked from the waters. One is unconscious.