A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman on Thursday urged all parties to keep up diplomatic efforts for a peaceful solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.

Liu Jianchao said China hoped all parties would remain patient and show restraint and sincerity in resolving the issue.

"China hopes all parties can start a new round of diplomatic efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue in a peaceful manner through negotiations," said Liu.

He said China's position was clear: China firmly supported and upheld the current international non-proliferation system and sought peace and stability in the Middle East.

Asked to comment on a statement by a United States official that China would agree with proposed U.S. sanctions on Iran, Liu said China did not support threats of sanctions or force in resolving international disputes.

Source: Xinhua