China urges resumption of talks on Iran nuclear issue

BEIJING, March 3 (Reuters) - China respects Iran's "legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy," a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday, while urging a stop to U.S. military actions in favour of returning to talks and negotiations.

U.S. strikes on Iran "during ongoing negotiations ... violate international law and basic principles of international relations," ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said during a regular press briefing.

"The Iran nuclear issue should eventually return to the track of political and diplomatic settlement," Mao said.