China backs cooperation between Iran, IAEA

BEIJING - A spokesman for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Friday that China supports cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

"China always sees dialogue and cooperation as the only correct way to resolve the Iran nuclear issue, and China encourages Iran to further its cooperation with the IAEA," spokesman Hong Lei told a routine press conference.

Last week, Iran informed the IAEA that it would install more advanced centrifuges at its Natanz facility, just as the Islamic republic has been engaged in discussions about resuming talks with the so-called "P5+1" -- Britain, China, France, Russia, the United States and Germany -- over its nuclear project.

Hong said China has taken note of relevant reports, adding that Iran, a Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) member state, has the right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.