China calls for flexibility in Iran talks

China called for Iran and six world powers to be flexible in the latest nuclear talks which started Tuesday in Vienna.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a daily press briefing that the two-day talks between Iran and the five UN Security Council permanent members plus Germany, as the second meeting in a month, show the positive momentum of the talks.

"China hopes all parties show flexibility, take a practical stance, address each other's concerns and solve their differences to accumulate consensus and create favorable conditions for a breakthrough," the spokesman said.

The Chinese delegation to the talks was headed by Wang Qun, director-general of the Arms Control Department of the Foreign Ministry and the third round of talks is preparation for a draft deal expected next month.

Iran and Britain, China, France, Russia, the United States and Germany are heading for a comprehensive agreement and long-term solution, he said.

Western states have long suspected Iran of developing nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian atomic plan, while Iran claims its nuclear objectives are solely peaceful.