(Reuters) - China, which has just voted in favor of a U.N. resolution demanding Iran suspend its nuclear activities by August 31 or risk sanctions, on Tuesday said it hoped the move would spur an early resumption of talks.
In a resolution passed by 14 to 1 on Monday, the Security Council for the first time authorized legally binding demands on Iran and a sanctions threat, reports Trend.
But China still held out hopes of a compromise.
"We hope that the Security Council resolution helps the on-going diplomatic efforts," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao was quoted as saying in a statement on the ministry's Web site.
"We call on all sides to remain calm and exercise restraint and keep pushing for the early resumption of talks," Liu said.
Tehran denounced the resolution, which demanded that it "suspend all enrichment-related and reprocessing activities, including research and development."
Tehran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, but critics say it appears to be seeking the ability to make nuclear weapons.
If Tehran does not comply by the deadline, the council would consider adopting "appropriate measures" under Article 41 of Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter, which refers to diplomatic and economic sanctions.
The United States and its allies suspect Iran is developing a nuclear bomb and accuse it of hiding its research for the past 18 years.
Russia and China, both veto-wielding members of the Security Council, have been reluctant to impose sanctions.