China opposes sanctions in handling international relations and backs political dialogue in the Ukraine crisis, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said on Tuesday.

The European Union (EU) on Monday said it had prolonged economic sanctions against Russia until July 31, 2016.

"China opposes, as always, the willful use or threat of use of sanctions in handling international relations, and believes political dialogue is the only solution to the Ukraine crisis," Hong said at a press briefing.

China expects full implementation of the Minsk agreement and a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, he said.

The sanctions were initially introduced for one year on July 31, 2014, in response to Russia's actions in the east of Ukraine. On June 22, 2015, the Council of the European Union extended the measures until Jan. 31, 2016.

EU leaders then decided to link the sanctions to implementation of the Minsk agreement between leaders of Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France.

"Since the Minsk agreement will not be fully implemented by 31 December 2015, the duration of the sanctions has been prolonged whilst the Council continues its assessment of progress," the EU statement said. Endi

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