China on Monday called for the peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue through diplomatic negotiations.

La Yifan, minister-counselor of China's Permanent Mission to the UN, told a Security Council meeting that China has always called for resolving the Iranian nuclear issue through diplomatic negotiations in a peaceful manner.

"China always believes that resolving this issue through diplomatic means is in the interest of peace and security in the Middle East and is in the common interest of the international community," he said.

La said China is ready to continue to play a constructive role in this regard.

At present, "rare opportunities" exist with regard to the restart of the negotiations with Iran over the nuclear issue, he said.

La called on Iran to strengthen its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to resolve outstanding issues as early as possible.

He also urged the international community to seize the opportunity to intensify diplomatic efforts so as to ensure an early start of the negotiations.

(Xinhua News Agency June 16, 2009)