Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi (R) answers questions during a news conference on the sidelines of the Fifth Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, March 6, 2012. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said on Tuesday that the Iran nuclear issue should be properly handled and resolved through dialogue and cooperation rather than confrontation and sanctions.

"We oppose to imposing unilateral sanctions, and I believe the majority of countries in the world take such a position," said Yang at a press conference held on the sidelines of the country's annual parliamentary session.

"We oppose any of the Middle East countries, including Iran, to develop nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, we also believe that all countries have the right to peacefully use nuclear energy while keeping their obligations," said Yang.

China places great importance to the six-country dialogue mechanism on the Iran nuclear issue, and hopes the next round of talks could be held at an earlier date to promote the resolution of the issue.

The six countries concern Britain, China, France, Russia, the United States and Germany.