China calls on objective, balanced stance over Ukraine crisis

China on Thursday called on the international community to play a constructive role to help relevant parties in Ukraine resolve disputes through consultation and dialogue.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying made the remarks when asked to comment on media reports that some leaders from the European Union (EU) condemned the Ukrainian government and considered imposing sanctions against the country.

"Different countries should mutually respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Hua said.

She said China hoped the international community can take an objective,balanced and impartial stance to help restore political and social stability in Ukraine.

"We are worried about the violence and feel regret about the casualties during clashes," Hua said.

She said China called for calm and restraint among Ukraine's different factions, and expected issues to be resolved through consultation and dialogue in the interests of the nation and the people.

US State Secretary John Kerry said on Wednesday his government was considering sanctions against Ukraine in response to the violence there.

Earlier that day, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen warned Ukraine that its "ties with NATO will be seriously damaged".

The threat of sanctions to "those who have committed acts (of violence)" was also voiced by French President Francois Hollande, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

Hungary on Wednesday called on the EU to take action to halt the violence in the neighboring country.

In response, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday called on the international community to be objective and restrained when assessing the crisis, and to base their position on reliable and proven facts.