BEIJING, Jan. 21 -- China on Tuesday hailed Iran's first step towards a nuclear deal by halting 20 percent uranium enrichment

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a regular press briefing that China appreciates the positive and pragmatic attitude of all parties concerned, and urged joint effort for an overall and appropriate settlement of the crisis at an early date.

Iran suspended 20 percent uranium enrichment in Natanz and Fordow on Monday, implementing its obligations to the interim Geneva nuclear deal. Afterwards, the United States announced easing of some economic sanctions.

Hong said parties concerned are to start negotiations on a permanent solution to Iran's nuclear issue very soon.

"We hope all parties concerned will stick to equal consultation, properly settle disputes, in order to reach consensus on a comprehensive, long-term and appropriate settlement of the nuclear crisis at an early date," said the spokesman.

China would like to maintain communications with parties concerned and continue to play a constructive role to this end, he added.

According to the earlier agreement reached by the Islamic republic and the P5+1 group in Geneva in November 2013, Iran will start to freeze part of its nuclear activities on Jan. 20 for six months in return for limited easing of economic sanctions.