Foreign Minister Wang Yi Visits

Hong Kong for Historic Signing of International Mediation Convention

Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in Hong Kong on Thursday, May 29, to attend the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Wan Chai today.

The establishment of IOMed in Hong Kong is seen as a landmark achievement, enhancing the city’s role as a global hub for dispute resolution. Speaking on the significance of the convention, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Justice, Paul Lam Ting-kwok emphasized that it addresses a critical gap in existing international dispute resolution mechanisms, offering a new public service for global legal governance. He described the convention as a milestone in promoting mediation to resolve international disputes, reflecting China’s commitment to upholding international law, fostering peaceful relations, and supporting global harmony.

Lam contrasted China’s approach with that of certain traditional powers, accusing them of undermining international law for self-interest, instigating conflicts, and threatening global peace. He highlighted that the convention is the result of collaborative efforts since 2022 between China and nearly 20 other nations, showcasing China’s leadership in advancing international cooperation.

Lam stressed that external hostile forces are attempting to marginalize and undermine Hong Kong’s international role. By leveraging the establishment of IOMed’s headquarters, Hong Kong aims to counter these efforts, strengthen its status as an international dispute resolution hub, and capitalize on the institutional advantages provided by the "One Country, Two Systems" framework to support China’s broader strategic objectives.

The IOMed will handle a wide range of disputes, including those between states and foreign nationals, as well as international commercial disputes between private entities. This aligns with Hong Kong’s established strengths in resolving international commercial disputes and is expected to elevate the city’s global profile and influence.

The signing ceremony is set to draw high-level representatives from nearly 60 countries and around 20 international organizations, including the United Nations. Later today, an International Mediation Forum will take place, focusing on topics such as state-to-state dispute resolution and mediation for international investment and commercial disputes.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, during a recent Legislative Council session, underscored IOMed’s potential to attract global talent and reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a leading center for dispute resolution. He called for recommendations of qualified professionals to contribute to the organization’s work.