Group 1 - The visit of Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Dar, to China is scheduled from May 19 to 21, 2023, at the invitation of China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi [1] - China views Pakistan as an all-weather strategic cooperative partner, emphasizing the importance of high-level exchanges and cooperation across various fields [1] - The visit is seen as an opportunity to further implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries and to strengthen strategic communication and coordination [1] Group 2 - The Chinese Foreign Ministry has reiterated its commitment to maintaining communication with both India and Pakistan, aiming for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire to ensure regional peace and stability [2] - China maintains an objective and impartial stance regarding the India-Pakistan situation, urging both nations to exercise calm and restraint to prevent escalation [2] - The Chinese government supports and welcomes efforts for a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, indicating its willingness to play a constructive role in maintaining regional stability [2]

Group 1 - The visit of the Pakistani Foreign Minister to China reflects the high importance the Pakistani government places on developing China-Pakistan relations [1] - The Chinese Foreign Ministry has reiterated its position on the India-Pakistan situation, expressing willingness to maintain communication with both sides to achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire and to contribute to regional peace and stability [1]

Group 1 - Current volatility in the oil market reflects a transitional phase between the old order and new rules, indicating a struggle for energy discourse power among major global players [1][4] - The effectiveness of soft power strategies, such as diplomatic mediation and strategic negotiations, is crucial for countries to gain an advantage in the energy power shift [1][4] - The ongoing crisis in South Asia demonstrates the dual role of soft power in crisis management, where military actions undermine regional trust while diplomatic interventions can restore dialogue [1] Group 2 - The recent progress in US-China trade negotiations highlights the strategic use of soft power tools, with China shifting the focus from unilateral pressure to mutual benefits [2] - China's approach to expanding cooperation lists aims to increase the cost of confrontation for the US, showcasing a typical soft power counter-strategy [2] - The dispute between Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan over oil production reveals the complexities of soft power in the energy sector, with Kazakhstan's overproduction challenging OPEC's internal constraints [2] Group 3 - China's adjustment in crude oil import structure and the penetration of clean energy illustrate the rise of non-traditional soft power, positioning China as a key player in global supply-demand rebalancing [3] - The potential outcomes of the US-Iran nuclear negotiations could redefine the geopolitical soft power landscape in the Middle East, depending on the negotiation strategies employed by both parties [3] - The EU's push for regulatory standards in trade negotiations signifies an attempt to reshape global energy trade rules through normative power expansion [3]

Core Viewpoint - Pakistan and India have agreed to an immediate ceasefire amidst escalating military tensions [2][4]. Group 1: Military Actions - The Indian military condemned ongoing military actions by Pakistan along the western border, which resulted in damage to multiple Indian air force bases and army hospitals [4]. - In response, India conducted military strikes targeting Pakistan's technical facilities, command centers, radar stations, and weapon depots [4]. - The Indian armed forces remain on high alert, effectively countering hostile actions and asserting that they will not escalate the conflict [4]. Group 2: Diplomatic Responses - The Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern over the escalating situation between India and Pakistan, urging both sides to maintain calm and restraint [7]. - China emphasized the importance of returning to a political resolution through peaceful means, aligning with the fundamental interests of both nations and the expectations of the international community [7].

Core Viewpoint - The relationship between India and Pakistan is currently tense due to a shooting incident in Indian-administered Kashmir, prompting diplomatic engagement from Iran [1] Group 1 - Iranian Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian arrived in Islamabad to meet with Pakistani officials, indicating a potential diplomatic effort to address regional tensions [1] - The Pakistani Foreign Ministry stated that discussions will cover regional and global developments, although it did not explicitly confirm that the India-Pakistan situation would be a topic of discussion [1] - The Iranian ambassador to Pakistan, Mohammad Ali Mousavi, indicated that the India-Pakistan issue is on the agenda for discussions during this visit [1]