BEIJING, Jan. 29 -- China on Wednesday called for dialogue among Ukraine's various parties after the government was dissolved to calm mass rallies that have turned to violence.

"As a strategic partner, China respects the choice of the Ukrainians and supports the government and the people's efforts in preserving social harmony and stability," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a regular press briefing.

She called on relevant parties in the country to solve differences via dialogue, and to resume stability and social order.

Hua also appealed to the international community to play a constructive role.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych accepted Prime Minister Mykola Azarov's resignation on Tuesday, so as to "create an additional possibility" for a political compromise to peacefully resolve the conflict.

Protests in Ukraine turned violent about 10 days ago, when radical activists attacked riot police with fireworks and petrol bombs.

The mass rallies started last November, following a government decision to put on hold an association agreement with the European Union and opt for closer relations with Russia.