A small but important step on road that could lead to the negotiation table

The recent 90-minute telephone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, described by Trump as "a great call", has upheld the cautious optimism that has emerged that an ending to the protracted Russia-Ukraine conflict may be finally forthcoming.

Despite the outcome of the talks falling short of achieving a broader 30-day ceasefire as hoped for, the talks still yielded a limited agreement — a pause in the two sides' military strikes against each other's energy facilities. This outcome, though modest, is a reminder that there is no quick-fix for the conflict, and patience, persistence and a collective commitment to peace are needed to get the two sides to lay down their arms.

The roots of the conflict are complicated and deeply entrenched, stemming from historical, geopolitical, and security complexities. As a Chinese proverb aptly states, it takes more than one cold day to freeze three feet of ice; similarly, ice that thick will not melt overnight.

Moscow's insistence on a full ceasefire being contingent on the West halting all military and intelligence support to Ukraine underscores the mutual distrust that has fueled the conflict.

Ukraine and its Western allies have rejected this demand, further complicating the path to peace. This impasse highlights a fundamental truth: No country should build its security on the insecurity of another.

Yet that does not mean the gains, though limited, that have been made in the phone call between the US and Russian leaders in an effort to resolve the conflict are meaningless. Since different stakeholders to the crisis have different interests and appeals, it is natural that some see the efforts to resolve the crisis so far as a glass half empty, some see it a glass half full.

So it is high time the parties put aside their self interests, and demonstrate more strategic vision, flexibility and wisdom to focus on a common interest they unquestionably share with each other on the conflict and put in efforts to help end it as soon as possible. As long as they bear that in mind, they have every reason to work together to create the necessary conditions for that to happen through consultations, rather than an imagined victory on the battlefield.

China has consistently advocated for a political settlement to the Ukraine crisis through dialogue and negotiation. And since the conflict began, its stance has always been objective and impartial, and it has sought to play a constructive role in creating the conditions for consensus-building through dialogue and mediation.

It is deeply regrettable therefore that some Western countries are trying to scapegoat China for the ongoing conflict, falsely accusing the country of enabling Russia's military operations in Ukraine. The recent statement by G7 top diplomats, which baselessly claimed that China has supported "Russia's war machine" with "the transfer of dual-use materials", is a blatant attempt to shift responsibility for the conflict onto China.

Such accusations, rooted in a Cold War mentality, are not only counterproductive but also provocative. They divert attention from the urgent need for dialogue and coordination, and risk undermining the international community's collective efforts to achieve peace.

China firmly rejects these unfounded allegations. It remains committed to playing its due part in facilitating a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The international community should recognize that finger-pointing and smear campaigns will only hinder progress. Instead, all parties should focus on building trust, fostering dialogue, and creating an environment conducive to negotiations.

The common understanding reached in the Trump-Putin talks, though far from a breakthrough, still represents a step in the right direction. That both Ukraine and Russia have now indicated a willingness to end the conflict provides a glimmer of hope and momentum for continued peace efforts.

As Foreign Minister Wang Yi rightly noted, no one will emerge as a winner from this conflict, but all will gain from peace. It is imperative that all countries, especially major powers, set aside their differences and work together to bring the parties to the negotiation table.

The path to peace may be long and difficult, but with perseverance, dialogue, and a shared commitment to reaching the negotiation table, a resolution is within reach. As Wang recently emphasized, "The negotiation table is where the conflict ends and peace starts."