BEIJING, Shawwal 22, 1432, Sep 20, 2011, SPA - China's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday it understood and supported Palestinian aspirations to seek full U.N. membership. China "believes that establishing a state is a legal right the Palestinian people cannot be denied and is the basis and precondition for peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel", ministry spokesman Hong Lei was quoted as saying by Reuters. "As for the matter of the Palestinians independently establishing a state and applying to the United Nations, we express understanding, respect and support," he told a regular news briefing. "At the same time, we believe that the international community should also step up efforts to ensure an early return to talks between the Palestinians and Israel." --SPA 13:45 LOCAL TIME 10:45 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/926544