© Cctvupload channel / YouTubeChinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang.
The EU on Sunday threatened Russia with new trade sanctions, but sharp divisions among leaders at a summit in Brussels left the timing of any measures uncertain.
"A political solution is the only way out, sanctions do not help to solve the underlying problems in Ukraine," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said at a daily news briefing. "It may lead to new and more complicating factors."
China has adopted a cautious response to the crisis, not wanting either to alienate key ally Russia or comment directly on the referendum in which Crimea voted overwhelmingly to join Russia, lest it set a precedent for its own restive regions, like Tibet.
But China has also said it would like to continue to develop "friendly cooperation" with Ukraine and that it respects the ex-Soviet state's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
As a permanent member of the Security Council, China has used its veto power many times over the imposition of sanctions.
Qin called on the parties to remain calm and restrained and "avoid taking further actions that could lead to an escalation of tensions."
Comment: Will the EU listen to the wise words of China? It looks like at least some in the EU see the light, since there is apparently "sharp divisions" among EU leaders, but it remains to be seen what the leaders who oppose new sanctions will say when pressure is placed on them. Will they cave, or will the stand up for what they know is smart?