In an effort to elevate it to a level comparable to that of organizations like the International Court of Justice (ICJ), China signed a convention on Friday creating a global mediation-based conflict resolution agency in Hong Kong.
The Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation in Hong Kong was supported by over 30 nations, including Venezuela, Laos, Cambodia, Serbia, and Papua New Guinea.
Following Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Pakistan, Indonesia, Belarus, and Cuba also signed the treaty to join the global organization as founder members.
“The birth of IOMed will help transcend the zero-sum mentality of ‘win or lose,’ promote the amicable resolution of international disputes, and build more harmonious international relations,” Wang stated.
China also hopes to strengthen Hong Kong’s reputation as a global hub for legal and conflict resolution services in Asia by establishing the organization there.
China’s increasing political power in the world:
As China looks to fill the void created by the US under President Donald Trump, the international organization was formed at a time when the US is becoming less involved in world affairs.
Beijing’s increasing influence in the Global South is indicated by the very high number of emerging nations who support the group.
Over the past few years, Beijing has been progressively stepping up its influence in international organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations, as well as its involvement in international issues.
Since taking office in January, Trump has mandated that the United States withdraw from the World Health Organization and other UN organizations, including the UN Human Rights Council.
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