BEIJING, Dec. 19-- Armed conflicts between pro-Russia insurgents and Ukrainian government forces have been raging on since mid-April in two eastern regions of Ukraine, killing at least 4,707 people and wounding more than 10,322 others, despite a cease-fire agreement reached in September.

The following are China's stance on the crisis.

SOLUTION IN FRAMEWORK OF LAW, ORDER

In handling foreign relations, China has upheld the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and consistently respected other countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity with no interference in their internal affairs. The principles were reflected in China's stance on the Ukraine crisis.

In response to referendums held in two regions of eastern Ukraine over their future status, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on May 12 that the issue should be dealt with in the framework of law and order. Stressing that China has always followed the policy of noninterference in the internal affairs of other countries, Hua said China respects Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"China holds that the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis should take each party's reasonable concerns and interests into consideration, and the disputes should be solved in a framework of law and order," Hua said.

POLITICAL SOLUTION THROUGH DIALOGUE, NEGOTIATIONS

Since February, the Ukraine crisis has continued to brew and the armed conflicts have been on. The Chinese side has called on all parties to keep calm and exercise restraint so as to resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiations and prevent the situation from further deteriorating.

On April 14, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua called on relevant parties in Ukraine to keep calm and exercise restraint, when asked to comment on a conflict in eastern Ukraine's Slavyansk.

China urged all sides in Ukraine to explore ways to dissolve the crisis through political dialogue based on a full consideration and accommodation of the legitimate rights, interests and concerns of all regions and ethnic communities, and promote political stability and economic development of Ukraine, Hua said.

IMPARTIALITY AND BALANCE

The crisis is attributed to both Ukraine's adjustment of its relations with major countries and changes in its economic and political landscapes. China has stated on multiple occasions that history and complex factors are behind the crisis, and that it involves interests and concerns of various parties. Therefore, the resolution of the issue requires a balanced approach.

On March 8, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China adopts a just and objective position on the issue of Ukraine.

"It is regrettable that the situation in Ukraine has come to what it is today, yet it is not by accident that the situation has reached this point," said Wang, adding that there is a complex history behind it as well as conflicts of interest.

"China is in communication with various parties and we will play a constructive role in bringing about a political settlement of the Ukraine issue," the minister said.

On March 24, Xi said that China has always held a "just and objective attitude" toward the Ukraine crisis.

Xi made the remarks during a meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama on the sidelines of the nuclear security summit in The Hague.

Xi reiterated China's stance on the Ukraine issue, saying that "the promotion of a political solution to the crisis serves the interests of all parties."

"China supports the constructive efforts made by the international community to ease tension, and holds an open attitude toward all plans that are helpful to promote a political solution," Xi said.

INTERNATIONAL COORDINATION MECHANISM

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a responsible world power, China has urged the international community to play a positive role in global hot spot issues. On the Ukraine crisis, China has called for an effective international coordination mechanism.

On March 16, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said China would continue to promote peace talks and play a constructive role for the political settlement of the Ukrainian issue.

"We have made our own suggestions, which focus on establishing as soon as possible an international coordination mechanism joined by all parties to explore a political approach to defusing the Ukrainian crisis," Qin said.

On April 17, China applauded the agreement reached by four-party talks in Geneva on defusing tension in Ukraine, calling for joint efforts to promote a final political settlement.

"A proper settlement of the Ukrainian issue requires a favorable external environment," Hua told a press conference.

Noting that China has been calling for an early establishment of a multilateral platform for dialogue, Hua said: "We welcome the launch of talks by Russia, the United States, the EU and Ukraine."