China on Tuesday welcomed the start of indirect Israeli-Palestinian talks, urging parties to seek good results.

"China welcomes the start of indirect Israeli-Palestinian talks, which is a positive step toward breaking the 18-month stalemate and reviving the peace process," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu told a regular briefing Tuesday.

Jiang's comment came after Palestine and Israel on Sunday began four-month proximity talks mediated by the United States.

Since Israel waged military offensive known as "Operation Cast Lead" against Hamas in the Gaza Strip in December 2008, Israeli-Palestinian peace talks have been deadlocked.

Jiang called on both parties to seize opportunities, overcome difficulties and show political will to achieve positive results at an early date.