China urge confidence in solving Iran nuke issue

BEIJING - China on Tuesday called for more diplomatic efforts and confidence in solving Iran nuclear issue.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying made the comment at a routine news briefing when responding a reporter's question on the new round of talks on Iranian nuclear issue.

Iran and the P5+1, including the United States, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany, held the new round of talks in Vienna Tuesday.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong is leading a delegation to the talks in the Austrian capital.

Hua said the Iranian nuclear issue is "complicated and sensitive", it involves the interests and mutual trust of all parties.

Last November, the P5+1 and Iran reached the first step agreement, which came into effect on January 20.

"This represents a virtuous cycle of curbing Iran's nuclear program and relaxing sanctions against Iran," Hua said, adding that all parties should make efforts toward significant and positive progress.

When mentioning the new round of talks, Hua said all parties should have the confidence to solve the issue through dialogue, as well as adopt a pragmatic attitude.

"(We) hope that all parties will continue the consultation on an equal footing based on the first step agreement, step up diplomatic efforts, demonstrate more patience, flexibility and sincerity, seek common ground and resolve differences so as to move the negotiation process forward," Hua said.

China will play an active and constructive role in the negotiation process, she said.