The Iranian nuclear issue must ultimately return to the path of political and diplomatic settlement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Tuesday, calling for an immediate halt to military actions and a resumption of dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible.
Mao's comment came at a regular news briefing after the head of the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Monday that there is no evidence Iran has been running a "structured" nuclear weapons program.
"China has always advocated peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue and negotiation, and respects Iran's legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. We have noted Iran's reiteration of having no intention of developing nuclear weapons, and that Iran carried out serious talks with the United States recently. The Iranian nuclear matter must ultimately return to the track of political and diplomatic resolution. We call for an immediate halt to military actions, an early return to dialogue and negotiations, and firm efforts to preserve the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and safeguard peace and stability in the Middle East and the world at large," she said.
Iranian nuclear issue must return to track of diplomatic resolution: spokeswoman
