Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang have called for all-out emergency measures to help deal with aftermath of the missing Beijing-bound Malaysian flight.

Xi has ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chinese embassies and consulates to stay in close contact with search and rescue coordinators.

In an emergency telephone call with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Premier Li urged Malaysia to quickly and effectively continue its search and rescue operation.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Xie Hangsheng met with Malaysian Charge d'affaires to China and Vietnamese Ambassador to China Saturday afternoon.

Meanwhile China's Transport Ministry says two maritime rescue ships have been dispatched to the South China Sea and other ships and aircraft are on standby.