BEIJING, April 18 -- China on Friday applauded the agreement reached by the Geneva four-way talks on defusing tension in Ukraine, calling for joint efforts to promote a final political settlement to the crisis.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying made the remarks in response to a question at a regular press briefing.

The United States, Russia, Ukraine, and the European Union concluded talks in Geneva on Thursday after signing a statement on the de-escalation of tension in Ukraine. It says all sides must refrain from violence, intimidation or provocative actions as part of initial steps to restore order in the country.

Hua said China has always adhered to a political settlement to the Ukraine crisis and advocates balancing the interests of all parties concerned.

"We hope parties concerned would make joint efforts and take specific measures to implement consensus, promote a final political settlement to the crisis and achieve Ukraine's stability and development at an early date," she said.