China's policy is a critical element to watch in the diplomatic wrangling over Iranian nuclear programs, both peaceful and possible weapons development. The Chinese have resisted previous efforts to have the issue go before the U.N. Security Council because it sets a precedent for the world's other nuclear standoff -- North Korea.

The Chinese are in a difficult position, trying to balance a good relationship with Iran, centered on energy security objectives, against the concerns of the international community regarding Iranian nuclear development programs, especially proliferation of nuclear weapons.

A document titled "Stand of the Islamic Republic of Iran Regarding 1+5 Statement" was sent to United Press International Thursday by the Iranian Embassy in Beijing. The text also addressed the Russian plan on uranium enrichment, the possibility of Chinese involvement and denied the existence of the Lavizan Site, a special weapons facility.

Mahdi Abedini, second secretary in the Press and Media section of the Iranian Embassy in Beijing, confirmed that the message outlining the country's stance on the nuclear issue came from the foreign ministry in Tehran. He declined to respond to a request for any additional information on Iran's hopes regarding Chinese participation in uranium enrichment or assistance on the diplomatic front.

However, it is clear the embattled country is looking for help from China.

The "China Contribution" section of the text states the PRC "and other countries can contribute in nuclear activities of Iran.

"We have agreed with the government of Russia on some of the aspects of Iran's suggestion regarding the contribution of more countries in the uranium enrichment plan," it said.

"Regarding China's contribution in the proposed plan of Russia, we welcome the contribution of other countries, however concerning China, the suggestion is not yet raised," the statement read.

The brief China segment ended saying: "In the visit of Mr. Ali Larijani to China, he expressed there is no impediment on China's presence. Nonetheless, the plan is still limited to Iran and Russia." Larijani, Iran's top nuclear negotiator was in Beijing last week.

China's position on the nuclear issue remains ambiguous. Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing met with his Iranian counterpart, Manouchehr Mottaki, in London Tuesday to discuss the matter in the run-up to the Vienna vote.

State-run media quoted Li saying while Iran's right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy should be respected, the country should also meet its obligations under the nuclear nonproliferation treaty.

The Chinese maintain "the Iranian nuclear issue should be settled within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and hopes that Iran and the Europe Union will continue to work out a long-term solution through diplomatic negotiations," the official Xinhua news agency said.

Asked about the Iranian statement Thursday Hua Ning, an official manning the ministry's vacation hotline, said: "For our general position on Iran's nuclear issue, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing has made it clear during his trip to London. I have nothing else to add.

"Concerning the Russian proposal, to my knowledge, there is no further development in China's involvement so far, but as we have said before, we think this proposal is a helpful try to break the impasse," Hua noted.

The spokesman reiterated the Chinese stance, telling UPI "we welcome all constructive proposals that seek proper solution of the issue through diplomatic means. We keep open-minded toward all constructive proposals that help break impasse, and we are making vigorous effort to promote stronger consultation and dialogue between the parties concerned."

China's vote at the IAEA will be of special significance since Iran's statement Thursday said "any referral or report to the Security Council is considered as the end of diplomacy."

The IAEA was meeting in Vienna Thursday and was expected to refer Iran to the Security Council in March, giving another month for diplomacy to end the row.

The United States and the European Union say Iran has a secret and illegal nuclear weapons program, a charge Tehran denies.

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