A conference was held in Hong Kong on Friday on the establishment of the International Mediation Organisation (IOMed). It was attended by approximately 400 high-level representatives from 85 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe, as well as about 20 international organisations.
China on Friday established a new organisation to resolve international disputes. It is named the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed). It is presented as an alternative to institutions like the International Court (ICJ) and the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
About 400 senior officials from 85 countries and nearly 20 international organisations participated in the convention held in Hong Kong. Out of these, 33 countries immediately signed to become founding members of IOMed, including Pakistan, Indonesia, Belarus, Cuba, and Cambodia.
The headquarters of IOMED will be in Hong Kong. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that Hong Kong itself is an example of how disputes can be resolved peacefully. Hong Kong government chief John Lee said that his government will support IOMED in every way so that this organisation can find quick and reliable solutions.
33 countries, including China, became founding members of this organisation.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meeting with foreign leaders.
Difference between IOMed and UN’s International Court of Justice
IOMed:
- Established by China in Hong Kong on May 30, 2025, with greater Chinese influence
- 30 founding member countries including Indonesia, Pakistan, Belarus, Cuba, Cambodia
- Aim to resolve disputes only through arbitration
- Agreement will be voluntary, no decision if any party disagrees
- Along with countries, citizens of other countries and international trade organisations can file cases
International Court of Justice:
- Headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, established in 1945
- Consists of 15 judges elected by the UN General Assembly and Security Council for 9 years
- Operates under the UN Charter, all UN member countries are its members
- It is a formal court that gives binding decisions based on international law
- Only countries can file cases in it
‘China wants to resolve world issues through dialogue and understanding’
China’s state newspaper Global Times described IOMed as the world’s first ‘inter-governmental legal organisation’ to resolve international disputes through mediation. Its aim is to resolve disputes between countries, between citizens of other countries, or between international business organisations.
Chinese FM Wang Yi said that China wants to resolve the world’s issues through dialogue and understanding, not through conflict. He said, ‘The establishment of IOMed will help in leaving behind the mindset of ‘you lose, I win’.’
The Chinese Foreign Minister said that the organisation was established to leave behind the mindset of you lose, I win.
China’s influence in the Global South may increase
Experts fear that this initiative by China could increase its influence in many developing countries and the Global South. However, there it is yet to release information on the detailed workings of the IOMed.
Due to China’s debt policy and expansionist attitude, questions are being raised about the impartiality and credibility of this organisation. However, China has claimed that this organisation will adhere to the United Nations Charter and international law.
Headquarters of the IOMed Institute located in Hong Kong.
