China hopes for social stability in Ukraine

China hopes all parties in Ukraine can resolve disputes through negotiations and maintain social cohesion and stability, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Wednesday.

Protests broke out in Ukraine following a government decision to suspend the signing of the long-anticipated association agreement with the European Union(EU).

"We are following closely the developments in Ukraine and hope the international community can play a constructive role in this," Hong said when asked about the situation.

Ukraine's parliament on Tuesday rejected a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Mykola Azarov's government.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych is in China on a four-day state visit.