China is pleased to see Russia and the United States, both influential major powers, strengthen communication and dialogue on a range of international issues, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said after leaders of the two countries recently expressed readiness in a phone call to engage in direct negotiations aimed at ending the Ukraine crisis.

Speaking at a regular press conference, Guo said China has always believed that dialogue and negotiations are the only viable way to resolve the crisis.

China has always advocated for peace and promoted talks, he said, adding that on the second day after the outbreak of the conflict, the country proposed seeking a political solution to the crisis through dialogue.

"China supports all efforts conducive to a peaceful resolution of the crisis and will continue to communicate with all relevant parties and play a constructive role in promoting a political solution to the crisis," Guo said.