China yesterday called on parties concerned to show patience for resolving the Iran nuclear issue, and said more time is needed for finding a peaceful solution.

Liu Jianchao, spokesman for the Chinese delegation to the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), said Iran appeared to be "serious" with the proposals agreed by the five United Nations Security Council permanent members and Germany on solution to the Iran nuclear issue.

"I think they (the Iranians) might need more time. So we need to remain patient," Liu said at a news briefing Thursday night.

Liu said the proposals help lay an "important foundation" for resolving the issue, and China hopes relevant parties would respond to it positively.

Describing the Iran nuclear issue a "prolonged and rather complicated" one, Liu said relevant parties should continue to show flexibility and patience for an early solution.

On China's principled stance on the issue, Liu said Iran has the right to the peaceful use of nuclear power as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, but it should also fulfill its corresponding responsibilities and commitments.

Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad is currently in China for the SCO summit held in Shanghai on Thursday. Iran is one of the four observer countries of the organization.

Also on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing met with his Iranian counterpart Manouchehr Mottaki, who is among the entourage of the Iranian president. The two foreign ministers exchanged views on bilateral ties, the Iran nuclear issue and other issues of common concern, according to a press release from China's Foreign Ministry.