Although it might be too early to say that Sunday's preliminary deal reached between Iran and world powers in Geneva is epoch-making, it is certainly an important step forward in international efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue through diplomatic means.

Under the deal, Iran will freeze its controversial nuclear program for the next six months in exchange for an easing of the sanctions imposed by the West that have crippled Iran's economy. This is the first agreement since the P5+1 powers -Britain, China, France, Russia, the United States and Germany - launched the on-and-off talks with Iran in 2006.

As a member of the P5+1 mechanism, China has played a constructive role in pushing the talks to yield positive results. Based on the principle of impartiality, it has maintained intensive communication with all sides and urged direct talks between Teheran and Washington.