China remained committed to solving the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue and negotiation, a senior Chinese diplomat said Wednesday.

As a State Party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Iran had the right to peaceful use of nuclear energy, but also should fulfill the corresponding obligation under the NPT, said Hu Xiaodi, China's permanent representative and ambassador to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Vienna.

Hu was addressing the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board meeting, which started Monday.

China hoped Iran would implement the IAEA and U.N. Security Council resolutions, and strengthen cooperation with the IAEA, so the international community could have greater confidence in the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, the Chinese envoy said.

Hu said that, as there were new opportunities for a diplomatic solution of the Iranian nuclear issue, the parties concerned should further expand diplomatic efforts for an early resumption of dialogue and negotiation.

On the issue of a proposed nuclear fuel swap deal for Iran's research reactor, Hu said China hoped the Vienna group would hold consultations and reach consensus with the Iranian side as soon as possible.

He also expressed hope the IAEA and the agency's director general would play a constructive role in solving the issue.

China had always been committed to facilitating talks and negotiations among the concerned parties and actively engaged in advancing the process of a diplomatic solution, Hu said.

He said, in line with safeguarding the NPT regime and taking into consideration the whole picture of peace and stability in the Middle East, China was willing to work with all sides for a comprehensive, lasting and proper solution of the issue, and to play a constructive role in the process.