On February 18, 2014, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong attended a new round of talks on Iran's nuclear issue in Vienna between the six countries (the five permanent members of UN Security Council plus Germany) and Iran. This is another round of talks since the six countries and Iran reached a phase-I agreement at the end of last year, indicating that the negotiations on the comprehensive settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue is formally launched.

Li Baodong told the media before the meeting that this round of talks concerns where the Iranian nuclear issue would go after the phase-I agreement expires. The parties concerned must proceed from the perspective of being accountable for international peace and security, take out the political will and courage, show a flexible and pragmatic attitude, and engage in the talks on the basis of equality, mutual benefit and mutual respect so as to reach an early and comprehensive agreement. China will keep playing a constructive role to this end.

At the talks, Li Baodong put forward China's five-point proposal concerning the negotiations on the comprehensive agreement: sticking to the path of talks and negotiations; seeking a comprehensive, fair and reasonable long-term solution; following a step-by-step approach and upholding the principle of reciprocity; creating a favorable atmosphere for talks and negotiations; treating both symptoms and root causes and taking a wholistic approach.

During the talks, Li Baodong also met with the heads of the participating delegations including Iran and Russia.