Special report: Iran Nuclear Crisis

Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan(R) shakes hands with Iran's top nuclear negotiator and special envoy of Iranian president, Ali Larijani, in Beijing, Jan. 4, 2007. (Xinhua Photo/Huang Jingwen)

China on Thursday called for an early resumption of negotiations on the Iranian nuclear issue, saying talks are the only way to reach an agreement.

"China has always maintained that dialogue and negotiations are the best way to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue," Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan told Iran's top nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani, who will be in China on Thursday and Friday as a special envoy of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Chinese President Hu Jintao is due to meet Larijani on Friday.

"The UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1737, which reflects the concerns of the international community about safeguarding non-proliferation," said Tang.

The resolution adopted on Dec. 23, 2006, imposed sanctions against Iran for its failure to suspend its uranium enrichment program. The resolution demands that Iran "suspend all enrichment-related and reprocessing activities, including research and development," and "work on all heavy water-related projects."

It also calls on all countries to impose a ban on trade with Iran in goods related to its nuclear programs and ballistic missile delivery systems.

Iranian Foreign Ministry issued a statement lashing out at the resolution as an "illegal measure" and Ahmadinejad dismissed the resolution as a piece of "trash paper."

Ahmadinejad said on Wednesday that his country would soon start producing nuclear fuel for industrial uses, the official IRNA newsagency reported.

"Under the current circumstances, it has become more necessary and pressing to resume the negotiations," said Tang, adding China hopes all sides will "show flexibility and create conditions for resuming the negotiations at an early date to seek a comprehensive and peaceful solution to the Iranian nuclear issue."

Larijani said Iran will still honor the principles of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and continue to seek a just and reasonable solution to Iranian nuclear issue though talks.

Larijani said he appreciates China's efforts in pushing a peaceful solution to the nuclear issue.

Besides Iranian nuclear issue, Tang and Larijani also exchanged views on bilateral relations.

China values relations with Iran, said Tang, adding that the development of bilateral relations is aimed at promoting common development and prosperity of both countries and contributing to peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

Editor: Yan