China urges diplomatic efforts to resolve Iran standoff

Beijing - China on Thursday reiterated that it is keen to persist with diplomatic efforts, rather than sanctions, to persuade Iran to give up its nuclear ambitions, even as key Western powers were reported to have sent a revised proposal to the nation for fresh sanctions against the West Asian country.

China will continue to push for negotiations and dialogue to help maintain peace and stability in the Middle East, which conforms to the interests of all parties concerned, Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said in Beijing.

"We have been making diplomatic efforts with the international community in a responsible manner," Qin said.