The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that it insists political dialogue and negotiation were "the only correct path" to solve the Zimbabwe crisis.

Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao made the remarks at a regular press conference when asked to comment on the United States' dissatisfaction on China's veto against a proposed sanction on the Zimbabwean government.

Liu said China had explained its stance over this issue. He reaffirmed dialogue and consultation were a priority in resolving issues concerning Zimbabwe.

"China and the United States hold a different stance on this issue. I believe that the U.S. side is very clear on China's attitude." He added, "it is natural that China and the United States have different opinions on different international issues."

China vetoed a U.S.-drafted resolution in the UN Security Council on July 11 (Beijing Time) that would have imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe over the country's presidential run-off election in late June.

(Xinhua News Agency July 18, 2008)