China very worried over missing Beijing-bound plane: FM

China is very worried over a Beijing-bound plane that has lost contact with air traffic control, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday.

"The news is very disturbing. We hope everyone on the plane is safe," said Wang.

He made the remarks at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature.

Wang said that China's Foreign Ministry and the related departments had activated an emergency response mechanism.

"As soon as we have any more information, we will give it to you immediately," he told reporters.

A Malaysian passenger plane carrying 239 people has lost contact with air traffic control after leaving Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur, the carrier said Saturday.

The Boeing B777-200 aircraft departed Kuala Lumpur at 00:41 am Saturday, and was expected to land in Beijing at 6:30 am.

Malaysia Airlines said it was working with the authorities who have dispatched search and rescue team to locate the plane.