China says it opposes EU sanctions against Iran

China says it opposes the sanctions the European Union is imposing on Iran over its disputed nuclear programme.

A spokeswoman for China’s Foreign Ministry says dialogue and diplomatic means are the best way to resolve the issue.

Jiang Yu’s comments Friday were posted on the ministry’s website and echo China’s long—standing position.

The European Union and Canada adopted new sanctions on Monday against Iran that target its foreign trade, banking and energy sectors.

The countries worry Iran’s nuclear programme could be used for weapons. Iran denies it.

Senior U.S. officials said on Thursday they would travel soon to China, Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates to demand compliance with new U.N. Security Council measures against Iran.