China on Thursday called for accelerated diplomacy to resolve the Iran nuclear issue, saying sanctions cannot fundamentally end the standoff.

"We hope the parties involved will not drop diplomatic efforts, but adopt more flexible policies to seek a proper resolution of the issue," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu at a regular press briefing.

China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Zhang Yesui, who chairs the UN Security Council this month, also expounded China's stance on the Iran nuclear issue a day before, said Jiang.

"China always advocates resolution of the Iran nuclear issue through diplomatic negotiations, and we believe sanctions are not the way to solve the root issues," said Jiang.

Ambassador Zhang Yesui said Tuesday it was too early to contemplate new sanctions against Iran. His comments came after the United States on Monday said the door remained open for Iran to meet world demands on its nuclear aims, but warned it was discussing with its allies the "next steps," which could include sanctions.