China has launched a new international mediation organization, backed by more than 30 countries, to promote peaceful resolution of disputes.
The signing ceremony took place on Friday in Hong Kong, where representatives from nations including Pakistan, Indonesia, Belarus, and Cuba joined Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in signing the agreement to become founding members.
The new body, named the International Organization for Mediation, is designed to help settle conflicts between nations through dialogue and cooperation.
It will operate from Hong Kong and is being described as the first intergovernmental legal organization focused solely on mediation.
China said the initiative aims to move away from confrontational approaches and instead encourage mutual understanding and collaboration.
The support from developing countries highlights China’s growing influence, especially in the global south, where many nations are looking for alternative frameworks in international diplomacy.
The timing of the launch comes amid rising global tensions, including those linked to past trade disputes initiated by the United States.
Beijing has positioned the organization as a tool to support the principles of the United Nations Charter, offering an alternative path for resolving disputes without resorting to legal battles or political pressure.
Officials say the group will help countries handle disagreements in a way that avoids conflict and promotes long-term cooperation.
The choice of Hong Kong as the headquarters is strategic. Chinese authorities pointed to the city’s developed legal environment and its unique mix of common law and Chinese legal systems as ideal for hosting an international dispute resolution body.
They believe these features give Hong Kong an edge in becoming a regional legal hub.
According to officials, the mediation organization is expected to begin work by the end of the year. The launch event was attended by representatives from around 50 countries and 20 international organizations, including the United Nations, signaling broad global interest in the initiative.
China says the mediation body is part of its broader effort to offer what it calls a more balanced and constructive approach to global governance.
