Foreign Minister Qin Gang has told his Ukrainian counterpart that Beijing is concerned that the Ukraine crisis may spiral out of control, and urged for a return to the negotiation table "as soon as possible".

In a phone call with Dymetro Kuleba on Thursday, Qin vowed Beijing will continue to play a constructive role in ceasing hostilities, and restoring peace between Ukraine and Russia, Xinhua news agency reported.

Qin said Beijing is concerned that the crisis may escalate and spiral out of control, and expressed the hope that all parties can remain calm, stay rational, and exercise restraint.

He added that China hopes Ukraine and Russia can retain hope for dialogue and negotiation, and that no matter how difficult and challenging it may be, they will not close the door to a political settlement.

Beijing last month published a position paper on the conflict in Ukraine, calling for dialogue and seeking to position itself as a neutral mediator.

Qin reiterated on Thursday his support for that proposal, saying Beijing had "upheld an objective and just position on the Ukrainian issue, committed itself to promoting peace talks and called on the international community to create conditions for peace talks".

For his part, Kuleba summed up the ministers' call on Twitter, saying it included discussion of "the significance of the principle of territorial integrity", without giving details.

Xinhua also reported that Kuleba had expressed congratulations on Beijing's recent success in brokering a rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran. (Xinhua/AFP)