China, a close ally of Iran, has maintained that the sanctions and pressure cannot fundamentally resolve Tehran's nuclear issue and the matter should be resolved diplomatically.
China today declined to confirm the claims of a top American official that president Hu Jintao has given his nod for fresh UN sanctions against Iran during a meeting with his US counterpart Barack Obama in Washington.
China, a close ally of Iran, has maintained that the sanctions and pressure cannot fundamentally resolve Tehran's nuclear issue and the matter should be resolved diplomatically.
"China upholds its consistent stance on the Iran nuclear issue. We support the international nuclear non-proliferation system, maintain the peace and stability in the Middle East, oppose Iran having nuclear weapons and support a dual-track strategy," Foreign ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu said in Beijing.
She evaded a direct reply to persistent questions whether Hu has agreed for sanctions but said, "China has always believed that sanctions and pressure cannot fundamentally resolve the issue, and dialogue and negotiation are the best ways."
Jiang declined to support the claims by US National Security Council senior director for Asian Affairs Jeff Bader that the two presidents in their meeting agreed for sanctions.
Official Xinhua news agency quoted Hu as telling Obama that China hopes various parties will continue to step up diplomatic efforts and actively seek effective ways to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue and negotiations.
Hu also said China and the United States share the same overall goal on the Iranian nuclear issue.
Hu said China stands ready to maintain consultation and coordination with the US and other parties within the 5-plus-1 mechanism, which includes the permanent UN Security Council members Britain, China, France, Russia and the US and Germany, and in the United Nations and through other channels.
He stated China is always committed to upholding the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and peace and stability in the Middle East.
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