BEIJING, Dec. 30 -- Chinese maritime search and rescue force is ready to leave for relevant waters for searching missing AirAsia flight QZ8501, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday.

Spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a routine press briefing that China maintains close contact with Indonesia on search work for the missing plane.

China will continue to closely monitor developments and provide further assistance for Indonesia as needed, said Hua.

The Defense Ministry on Monday announced that China will send aircraft and vessel to join the search and rescue work for the missing flight.

A navy frigate on routine patrol in the South China Sea is heading for the waters where the jet went missing, and the Air Force is making preparations and coordinating with the countries on the flight route, it said in the statement.