BEIJING - China believes dialogue and cooperation is the only correct and effective solution to resolve the Iran nuclear issue, and that sanctions will not fundamentally address the problem, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao reaffirmed Thursday afternoon.

Wen made the remarks when holding a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Beijing.

"China firmly safeguards the international non-proliferation regime and  opposes Iran and any of the Mideast countries developing nuclear weapons," said Wen.

The Iran nuclear issue is complicated and sensitive, and involves the peace, security and stability of the region and the world, said Wen, noting the use of force will cause turbulence and turmoil in the Middle East and the world, and that would be detrimental to all parties.

China has been relentlessly promoting dialogue and negotiation between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- and Germany, and urged Iran to enhance cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), he said.

As Iran has recently expressed willingness to resume dialogues with the group of six international mediators, the top priority for all parties is to seize the opportunity and seek a comprehensive, long-term and appropriate solution for the issue through dialogue and negotiation, he added.

Wen said the overall objective for China and Germany on the Iran nuclear issue was consistent, noting that the two countries should enhance communication and coordination, so as to jointly play a constructive role in resolving the problem.

China has maintained normal economic and trade cooperation with Iran in view of its need for economic development, said Wen, adding China opposes the politicizing of the normal trade relationship.

He said China has maintained normal trade ties with Iran, including crude oil trade, and will not do things that go against international laws and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

He stressed that China will not trade its principles for profits, and normal trade relations between countries should be protected.