BEIJING - China hopes relevant parties will resume the dialogue process on the Iranian nuclear issue at an early date, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said here Monday.

Iran has expanded its uranium enrichment activities in recent months, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in its report on the country's disputed nuclear program. News agencies obtained the IAEA report on Friday.

The restricted quarterly report circulated to IAEA member states showed that the UN nuclear watchdog continues to have serious concerns regarding possible military dimensions to Iran's nuclear program.

"China is studying the report," Hong told a regular press conference.

Hong said that the IAEA, as an authoritative international institution in the field of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, plays an "irreplaceable role" in the proper handling of the Iranian nuclear issue.

The IAEA should maintain an objective and impartial manner and continue to be actively committed to dialogue and cooperation with Iran, Hong said, adding that Iran should show "flexibility and sincerity" in continuing to strengthen cooperation with the IAEA and be committed to easing the concerns of the international community.

The dialogue and cooperation process on the Iran nuclear issue is showing some positive momentum, he said.

China hopes all relevant parties will seize the opportunity, resume the dialogue process as early as possible and actively explore a comprehensive, long-term and effective way to properly resolve the Iranian nuclear issue, Hong said.

China will continue to play a constructive role in the settlement, he added.