China has signed a convention establishing a new international organisation for mediation headquartered in Hong Kong, marking a significant step to enhance the city’s global legal standing and position it as a key player in international dispute resolution.
The initiative, unveiled on Friday, aims to create an institution on par with the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. Chinese officials say the move is intended to strengthen global governance and provide a credible platform for resolving disputes between countries, corporations, and international entities.
Speaking earlier this week, Hong Kong leader John Lee highlighted the organisation’s potential to bring “substantial” economic benefits, stimulate local industries such as transport and hospitality, and reinforce Hong Kong’s international credentials.
The signing ceremony, presided over by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, drew participation from countries including Indonesia, Pakistan, Laos, Cambodia, and Serbia. Representatives from 20 international bodies, including the United Nations, were also expected to attend, according to public broadcaster RTHK.
A video shown at the ceremony outlined the broad scope of the mediation body, which will cover disputes between nations, between states and foreign nationals, and among private international entities.
Analysts say the organisation could enhance China’s international influence and reflect its ambition to play a more assertive role in global legal frameworks, particularly as tensions with the West continue to rise.
Hong Kong’s Justice Secretary, Paul Lam, noted that the body would also serve to counter efforts by “hostile external forces” to undermine the city’s international role. He emphasised that this development would help Hong Kong manage the legal and political challenges of an increasingly complex global landscape.
The new institution will be housed in a former police station in Hong Kong’s Wan Chai district, and is expected to open by late 2025 or early 2026.
According to the 2025 International Arbitration Survey by Queen Mary University of London, Hong Kong currently ties with Singapore as the world’s second most popular arbitration hub after London—a status the new mediation body seeks to reinforce.
Melissa Enoch
Follow us on:
