UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 5 -- China's permanent representative to the United Nations (UN) on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine, calling on the international community to play a constructive role in easing it.

Liu Jieyi made the remarks at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on the situation in Ukraine.

He stressed that China is concerned by the civilian casualties resulting from the ongoing tension in some areas of eastern Ukraine.

"We hope that the international community would play a constructive role in easing the humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine," Liu said. "We hope that the UN humanitarian agencies would strictly abide by the principles of neutrality and objectivity."

The ambassador pointed out that there is an urgent need to engage in political consultation and comprehensive dialogue with a view to realizing a ceasefire as soon as possible.

"The parties concerned should remain calm and restrained, increase dialogue and consultations on the basis of initiatives including the Geneva consensus, meet each other halfway, give full play to the role of the current dialogue and liaison mechanism, and seek a comprehensive settlement through peaceful means," Liu said.

"A political settlement of the Ukraine crisis should give full accommodation to the legitimate claims of various regions and ethnic groups, so as to achieve a balance of their interests," he said.

The Chinese envoy called on the international community to do more to promote peace, dialogue and the creation of favorable conditions for the parties concerned to maintain dialogue and engagement.