China says the IAEA should take an “impartial” stance toward Iran’s nuclear issue and also urges Iran to show “flexibility” in its cooperation with the UN body.

"The International Atomic Energy Agency should adopt an impartial and objective stance and seek positive cooperation with Iran to clarify certain questions," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei Hong told a press briefing. 

"Iran should also show flexibility and sincerity and have earnest cooperation with the IAEA," Reuters quoted Hong as saying.

The remarks by the Chinese Foreign Ministry official comes as IAEA director general Yukiya Amano, under pressure by the U.S. and its European allies, plans to greatly highlight the alleged weapons studies in his new report on Iran’s nuclear program. 

Russia and China have urged the IAEA chief to give Iran time to study and respond to allegations of military-linked atomic activities before he publishes the report.

The United States and Israel have repeatedly hinted at the possible use of force against Iranian nuclear sites.

Hong said that would be a very bad idea.

"China opposes the use of force or the threat of the use of force in international affairs. At present, avoiding any new upheaval in the Middle East is extremely important."

Hong added China would play a "constructive role" in pushing for the peaceful resolution of the Iran nuclear issue by diplomatic means. 

The main bone of contention between Iran and the West is over Tehran’s nuclear enrichment program. Iran, as a signatory to the NPT, has legal right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes.