China has formally established a new international legal body in Hong Kong aimed at resolving global disputes through mediation, positioning it as a potential alternative to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as per Al Jazeera.
The Convention on the Establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed) was signed into law on Friday during a ceremony in Hong Kong, officiated by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Representatives from several countries, including Indonesia, Pakistan, Laos, Cambodia, and Serbia, attended the signing, along with observers from 20 international organisations.
The new institution is designed to handle a broad range of disputes — including those between states, between states and foreign nationals, and between international private entities. A promotional video at the event described IOMed as the world’s first intergovernmental body dedicated exclusively to mediation as a method of international conflict resolution.
Chinese authorities view IOMed as a strategic step toward elevating Hong Kong’s profile as a global legal and diplomatic hub. The initiative is also seen as a move to strengthen the city’s international relevance amid concerns over its declining autonomy and economic vibrancy.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu stated this week that IOMed’s standing would be comparable to established global legal bodies such as the ICJ and the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. He also touted its potential to generate economic benefits for Hong Kong by creating jobs and boosting sectors like hospitality and transport.
Hong Kong’s Justice Secretary Paul Lam emphasized that the new organisation could help reinforce the city’s international status in the face of external political pressure. He said the mediation body would leverage Hong Kong’s legal infrastructure under the “one country, two systems” framework to offer a credible platform for resolving disputes peacefully.
IOMed’s headquarters will be located at a former police station in Wan Chai and is expected to open by late 2025 or early 2026. Chinese officials see the body as a milestone in international governance, promoting dialogue and mediation over confrontation.
The ICJ, often referred to as the World Court, remains the principal judicial body of the United Nations, responsible for adjudicating legal disputes between states and offering advisory opinions on international legal matters.
