Gold, silver prices rise on US-Iran peace hopes, weaker dollar

International futures prices of gold and silver climbed on Wednesday, driven by easing geopolitical concerns following news of a possible U.S.-Iran deal and a slightly weaker U.S. dollar.

Gold futures for June delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange rose 2.75 percent to settle at 4,694.30 U.S. dollars per ounce, while silver futures for July delivery climbed 5.06 percent to 77.30 dollars per ounce.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on Thursday emphasized that the Taiwan question is the very core of China's core interests.

At a regular press conference in Beijing, Lin urged the United States to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques for the steady, sound and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations.

"The Taiwan question is the very core of China's core interests, and the bedrock of the political foundation of China-U.S. relations. Earnestly abiding by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, and adhering to the commitments on the Taiwan question made by successive U.S. administrations are an international obligation that the U.S. should fulfill, and an essential prerequisite for the steady, sound and sustainable development of the China-U.S. relationship. China will never waver in its resolve to defend the nation's reunification and safeguard territorial integrity. Taiwan secession attempts are as incompatible with cross-Strait peace as fire with water. To uphold cross-Strait peace and stability, it is necessary to unequivocally oppose Taiwan secession," said Lin.