VIENNA - The Chinese envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Wednesday called for increased diplomatic efforts to properly solve the long-running Iranian nuclear issue.

China welcomed a Russian proposal over solving the Iranian issue in a phased manner and hoped all sides concerned to step up diplomatic efforts for the resumption of talks and dialogue, said Cheng Jingye, China's permanent representative and ambassador to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna.

Speaking at an IAEA board meeting, Cheng said that as a signatory to the "Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty" (NPT), Iran is entitled to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and at the same time it should fulfill the relevant international obligations.

China encourages Iran to fully implement the resolutions adopted by the IAEA Board of Governors and the UN Security Council, and to further strengthen cooperation with IAEA in clarifying outstanding issues including military dimensions, Cheng said.

Cheng stressed that under current circumstances, dialogue and negotiation is the right way to a proper solution and is also in the fundamental interests of al parties.