2014年CRI 外交部发言人秦刚就当前乌克兰局势答记者问（在线收听）

China says it is "deeply concerned" by the escalating Ukraine crisis with violence and clashes causing numerous casualties in east and south Ukraine.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said Saturday China calls on all parties in Ukraine to stay calm and exercise restraint.

His remarks came after the clashes in the Black Sea resort of Odessa killed at least 43 people and injured 174 others on Friday.

Earlier that day, two Ukrainian military helicopters were shot down when government troops tried to retake the eastern city of Slavyansk held by pro-Russian protesters, causing casualties on both sides.

Qin Gang urged the concerned parties to back the Geneva agreements reached by Russia, the United States, the European Union and Ukraine on April 17, which called for an immediate halt of violence in Ukraine and practical steps to de-escalate the tension.

He said China hopes all sides can give up the use of force or violence that could deteriorate the situation, and start political dialogue and reconciliation process as soon as possible, in a bid to ease the situation.