China has said there is still time for more talks to resolve the Iranian nuclear standoff.
The comments have been made after US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged a UN move on new sanctions within 60 days.
China's foreign ministry spokesperson Qin Gang said that 'there is still room for diplomatic efforts and dialogue.
'We hope parties concerned will bear in mind the overall interests, and enhance consultations and dialogue in order to promote the peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue,' he said.
Mr Qin said the key to overcoming current tensions was to get Tehran back to the negotiating table and reach an agreement on its nuclear fuel demands.
Iran has so far failed to take up an offer from the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, under which Russia would enrich its uranium and France would process it.
World powers suspect Iran is enriching uranium to make nuclear weapons, a charge denied by Tehran, which says its atomic programme is solely for civilian energy purposes.
Yesterday, Hillary Clinton said she hoped to see a United Nations Security Council resolution on new sanctions against Iran emerge in the 'next 30 to 60 days.'
Beijing, a close ally of Iran with oil interests in the country, has steadfastly refused to agree to tougher sanctions.
China is one of five veto-wielding members of the UN Security Council.
