BEIJING, May 25 (Xinhua) -- China always believes that dialogue and negotiation are the right path for the Iran situation, and the use of force is a dead end, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday.

Mao made the remarks at a regular news briefing when asked to comment on media reports that the United States and Iran are close to reaching an agreement.

"Now that the door of dialogue has been opened, it should not be shut again. It is important to steady the momentum in easing the situation, keep to the direction of political settlement, and reach a solution that accommodates the concerns of all parties through dialogue and consultation," the spokesperson said.

Mao said that efforts should be made to reopen the shipping lanes as soon as possible, respond to the calls of the international community, and jointly maintain stable, unimpeded global production and supply chains.

Mao also called for efforts to reach a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire as soon as possible and to restore peace and stability to the Middle East and the Gulf region at an early date. ■