China on Friday expressed the hope that Iran cooperates with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the issue of its nuclear uranium enrichment plant.

According to media reports, the Iranian government informed the IAEA earlier this week in a letter about the existence of a nuclear enrichment facility. Leaders of the United States, France and Britain have made statements on this issue.

Asked to comment on the reports, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said China has noticed that Iran has informed the IAEA of the issue, and China is aware of the statements made by leaders of the United States, France and Britain.

China has been paying attention to the development of this issue, said Ma, adding that China expects the IAEA to deal with it on the basis of its function and authority.

China supports the safeguarding of international nuclear non-proliferation regime and maintains that the prevention of nuclear proliferation should be handled peacefully through negotiations.

"We hope the talks between representatives of six major powers and Iran to be held on October 1 can make positive progress," said Ma.

The six countries of China, the United States, Russia, Britain, France and Germany have agreed to hold talks on October 1 with Iran on its nuclear program.

(Xinhua News Agency September 26, 2009)