China urges new talks with Iran

China's top legislator on Tuesday made rare remarks about Iran's controversial nuclear programs, saying China opposes sanctions or the threat of using force while reiterating that peace talks are the right way to resolve the issue.

Wu Bangguo, chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, said China opposes any country in the Middle East developing and possessing nuclear weapons, but China believes that the right of a country to use nuclear energy peacefully should be guaranteed.

Wu made the remarks during a meeting with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Tuesday afternoon. His three-day visit to Iran, which began on Sunday, marks the first time in 16 years that China's top legislator has visited the Islamic country.