Beijing to host talks on Iranian nuclear issue

Trilateral meeting seen as diplomatic effort by China to uphold multilateralism, stability

As China, Russia and Iran prepare to hold talks on the Iranian nuclear issue in Beijing on Friday, observers said the meeting will once again highlight China's unique role in advocating the political settlement of regional and international hot spot issues.

China's Vice-Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu will chair the meeting, which will be attended by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov Sergey Alexeevich and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Wednesday.

"The three parties will exchange views on the Iranian nuclear issue and other issues of mutual interest," Mao told reporters at a regular news briefing in Beijing.