China hopes Ukraine crisis settled peacefully

China expressed belief on Friday that the Ukrainian presidential election crisis could be settled within legal framework in a peaceful manner.

"The presidential election is Ukraine's internal affairs and China respects Ukrainian people's choice," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue when asked about Ukraine's current situation.

"China supports Ukraine maintaining independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, " said Zhang. "We wish a stable Ukraine with a developed economy and wish its people happy."