BEIJING -- China on Tuesday urged all parties concerned to use a new round of talks on Iran's nuclear issues and seek pragmatic solutions.

"As the new round of talks starts soon, we urge all parties concerned to step up pragmatic efforts, properly settle differences, search for pragmatic and viable solutions, start new phase of substantial negotiations and seek early progress," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a daily press briefing on Tuesday.

Hua's comments came at a time when delegates of five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and Germany started a new round of talks with Iran over its controversial nuclear program in Geneva on Tuesday.

Hua reaffirmed China's commitment to keeping communications with related parties open and making constructive efforts to promote the peace talks on Iran nuclear issues.