BEIJING - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday that China is very worried over a Beijing-bound Malaysia Airlines (MAS) plane that has lost contact with air traffic control.

"The news is very disturbing. We hope everyone on the plane is safe," said Mr Wang.

He made the remarks at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature.

Mr Wang said that China's Foreign Ministry and the related departments have activated emergency response mechanism.

"As soon as we have any more information, we will give it to you immediately," he said.