China accused the United States on Wednesday of "increasing tensions" and "inducing panic" over the Ukraine situation, only days after Washington slapped sanctions against Moscow and stated that it would continue to equip Ukraine with weaponry in the event of a Russian invasion.

Beijing has taken a cautious stance toward Ukraine as Moscow massed thousands of troops on its borders and chastised the West for imposing further sanctions in response to Russia's decision to send troops into two breakaway Ukrainian areas that it now recognizes as autonomous.

US Vice President Joe Biden previously stated that the measures were simply the 'first tranche,' adding that additional restrictions would be imposed if Russian President Vladimir Putin expanded his country's military dominance beyond the two eastern Donbas provinces.

On Wednesday, China hit out at Washington over the restrictions, claiming it was exacerbating tensions by transferring arms to Ukraine.

US moves were "increasing tensions, instilling fear, and even exaggerating the war schedule," foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told reporters.

"If someone adds fuel to the fire while blaming others... that is irresponsible and immoral behavior," she added, focusing on the US in response to a question about China's involvement in settling the situation.

She stated that China has "exhorted all parties to respect and value each other's legitimate security concerns, to seek resolution through negotiation and consultation, and to work cooperatively to maintain regional peace and stability."

When asked if China would sanction Russia, Hua responded that Beijing believed "sanctions have never been a fundamental or effective method of resolving problems."

Apart from the US, the UK, the European Union, Japan, and Australia have all imposed sanctions in response to Putin's decision to send troops into Donetsk and Lugansk.

On Tuesday, Biden stated that the United States would continue to equip Ukraine with "defensive" weapons in a Russian invasion and would deploy soldiers to reinforce NATO partners in Eastern Europe.

"Let me be clear: these are entirely defensive moves on our part," Biden said during a White House televised speech.