"The two sides mainly exchanged views on developments in the Iranian nuclear issue," the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement posted on its website, following the meeting in Beijing.

"They emphasized the issue should be appropriately resolved through negotiations," the statement added.

It said Araghchi had met with Assistant Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai on Tuesday.

The meetings took place ahead of an August 31 United Nations Security Council deadline for Iran to halt sensitive atomic work.

China last week urged the Islamic republic to be constructive in its dealings on the issue.

"China hopes Iran will earnestly consider the concerns of the international community and adopt the necessary constructive measures," the foreign ministry said at the time.

China hoped "the other parties will maintain calm and patience and exercise flexibility while persisting in the direction towards a peaceful solution, so as to create conditions for a speedy resumption of talks," it said.

"It is China's consistent belief that the peaceful solution to the Iran nuclear issue through diplomatic negotiations is the optimal choice, and is also in accordance with the interests of all parties," the ministry added.

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