BEIJING, March 11 -- China on Tuesday reaffirmed its stance in favor of political solution to the tensions in Crimea and called for regional peace and stability.

"China has clearly stated its stance," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang in reference to the referendum, set to be held on March 16, which will ask whether the people of Crimea would like to remain part of Ukraine or join Russia.

The decision was made during a session of the parliament of Crimea on March 6. The lawmakers also voted to become part of Russia in the closed session.

The mostly Russian-speaking Crimea is now the epicenter of the ongoing Ukraine crisis.

Qin told a regular press briefing that China hoped all relevant sides could find a political solution through dialogue and under the framework of law and order so as to safeguard the legitimate interests of all ethnic groups in Ukraine and maintain local social order and regional peace and stability.