China on Saturday expressed deep concern over the escalating crisis in Ukraine as violent clashes between pro and anti-Russian forces erupted in the east and south region, resulting to numerous casualties in the last two days.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesman Qin Gang called on all parties to exercise restraint while China's representative to the United Nations, Liu Jieyi, urged parties to resolve the conflict through dialogue and focus on the task of restoring peace and stability in the region.

The two Chinese officials' remarks came following reports that at least 43 people were killed and 174 others injured when fighting erupted in the streets of Odessa and buildings were razed to the ground.

At least 31 of the 43 casualties died when the trade union building was set on fire as fighting continued into the night.

Earlier on Friday, pro-Russian troops brought down two Ukrainian military helicopters that were on a mission to displace militants from their stronghold in the eastern city of Slaviansk.

Both sides reported casualties with the militants claiming that three of their members were killed along with two civilians while the Defense Ministry said at least four people had died in the downed helicopters.

The fighting is just one of the many clashes that have occurred in the past between pro and anti-Russia forces but this was the first time that fatalities have been recorded in the Russian-speaking Odessa.

Western capitals have their eye on the developments in Eastern Ukraine in the wake of Moscow's annexing Crimea from Ukraine last March.

The United States condemned the recent fightings as "unacceptable" saying Ukraine and Russia must restore order and keep the situation under control.

China, for its part, urged all parties to support the April 17 agreement reached by Ukraine, Russia, the European Union and the United States calling for an immediate stop to violence and the adoption of practical steps toward de-escalating the tension.