China backs direct talks between Russia and Ukraine

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday that on the Ukraine crisis, China supports all efforts conducive to peace, and supports direct dialogue and negotiation between Russia and Ukraine and a political settlement of the crisis.

 "We hope parties will reach through dialogue and negotiation a fair and durable peace deal that is binding and accepted by all the parties concerned," Mao said, according to Reuters.

"China will, in light of the will of the parties concerned, work with the international community to continue to play a constructive role in ultimately solving the crisis and achieving lasting peace," the spokesperson said.