China repeats call for dialogue on Iran

China has reiterated that continued dialogue is the only way to solve the dispute over Iran’s nuclear program.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Qing Gang once again dismissed Western pressure for new sanctions against Tehran.

Qing urged all sides to engage in talks, saying that resolving the issue peacefully through negotiations is the best way to move forward.

“China urges all sides to use diplomatic means to peacefully resolve the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue and negotiation,” Qin told reporters on Thursday, a day after senior diplomats from six major powers held a conference to discuss Iran’s nuclear issue.

He added that Beijing was in close consultations with all parties to find a way to resolve the issue through diplomatic means.

“This is the best choice and it conforms to the interests of all sides as well as peace and stability in the region,” Qin said.

The US and its allies have increased the pressure on China to approve a new set of UN sanctions against Iran.

But Beijing, one of the five veto-wielding members of the UN Security Council, has continuously refused to do so.

The West accuses Iran of pursuing a military nuclear program through its enrichment activities — a claim Iran has described as unfounded and politically-motivated.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has conducted numerous unannounced inspections of Iran’s nuclear sites and has found no evidence supporting the Western allegations.

Tehran has consistently stated that it will not relinquish its legitimate nuclear rights.