CHINA has voiced opposition to additional sanctions against Russia saying that the European Union's push to draw up more measures would only complicate the crisis.

The EU threatened Russia with new trade sanctions over accusations Moscow was sending troops into Ukrainian territory, but sharp divisions among leaders in Brussels left the timing 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, not wanting alienate Russia or comment on the referendum in which Crimea voted to join Russia, lest it set off like demands in its own incipient separatist territories, said Reuters.

But China has also said it would like to continue to develop "friendly cooperation" with Ukraine and that it respects the former 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.

Mr Qin called on the parties to remain calm and restrained and "avoid taking further actions that could lead to an escalation of tensions".

More than 2,000 people have been killed, with the toll rising sharply since the Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, elected in May, launched an offensive that seemed close to suppressing the rebellion before Russian armour and troops counter-attacked.