China Takes Another Step Toward Global Political Power

A new framework for resolving state-to-state disputes may be viewed by China as means of further extending its influence in the Global South—but some observers say the newly minted International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) is more show than substance.

China was joined by 32 other founding members on May 30 for the launch ceremony, where Beijing’s top diplomat Wang Yi hailed the IOMed as “an example of civilization’s belief in harmony.”

Why It Matters

Unlike existing institutions such as the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague and the International Court of Justice, the IOMed aims to facilitate the resolution of international disputes through bilateral mediation.

That dozens of nations—from Indonesia to Serbia—have already signed on signals China’s growing influence at a time when the United States under President Donald Trump retreats from global institutions like the World Health Organization and cuts funding for long-standing tools of American soft power such as USAID.

What To Know

In his remarks at the signing ceremony, Wang praised the newly minted framework as filling an “institutional gap” while aligning with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s preference for resolving disagreements through dialogue and consultation.

“China has been actively exploring ways of hotspot issue settlement that carry the Chinese touch, so as to lend our thoughts to countries seeking to resolve problems or disagreements with others,” Wang said.

He added that the IOMed had been conceived in accordance with the United Nations Charter and would promote decision-making on an egalitarian basis in pursuit of “win-win outcomes.”

Yet Julian Ku, law professor and faculty director of international programs at Hofstra University, told Newsweek the Hong Kong-headquartered framework brings little, if any value to international dispute settlements.

“I think this organization is more of a global PR push to make it seem like China is offering a different way to resolve global disputes without actually creating anything substantive to resolve global disputes,” he said.

While it’s true there was no existing body established to facilitate negotiations between two states, the decision to appoint a mediator is political and depends on the parties involved, Ku added.

“For instance, India and Pakistan are unlikely to choose China or this organization to mediate their dispute because this organization seems to be affiliated with China. On the other hand, we might imagine Iran and Saudi Arabia using this organization because of the China relationship,” he said.

Wang’s “hotspot issue” remark at the launch echoed past Chinese criticisms of countries that act outside of bilateral negotiations with the East Asian country.

One standout example is the Philippines, which in recent years has publicized China’s expansion into its neighbor’s maritime zone, despite a 2016 decision at the Permanent Court of Arbitration that dismissed Beijing’s sweeping claims over much of the South China Sea.

China has accused the U.S. ally of “hyping” the issue and involving Washington and other outside powers, urging Manila to return to bilateral talks.

China has also repeatedly criticized “unilateral sanctions” imposed by the United States on Chinese and allied officials and has portrayed Beijing as a defender of the international trade system amid Trump’s tariff blitz since April.

China holds considerable leverage over many of the IOMed’s members, such as close allies Pakistan and Cambodia, and is a top trading partner—and major creditor—to many others.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of about 50 other countries and some 20 organizations, including the UN.

Hong Kong leader John Lee said the organization could begin its work as early as the end of this year.
What People Are Saying

Yueming Yan, law professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, told The Associated Press: While the International Court of Justice and Permanent Court of Arbitration focus on adjudication and arbitration, IOMed introduces a structured, institutionalized form of alternative dispute resolution—namely, mediation—on a global scale.”

Balthasar Staehelin, the International Committee of the Red Cross’ China envoy, wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “The new International Organization for Mediation, headquartered in Hong Kong, has been established. The ICRC looks forward to continued engagement on IHL, conflict prevention and peace.”
What’s Next

Beijing’s handpicked leader John Lee said the IOMed could begin operating as early as the end of this year.