A new international body aiming to resolve disputes through mediation, rather than litigation, has officially launched its operations from its Hong Kong headquarters. The International Mediation Institution (IMI), established by a convention signed by 38 countries-with 10 having ratified-seeks to offer a collaborative alternative for resolving conflicts between nations and commercial entities, particularly as global geopolitical complexities increase. Secretary-General Zheng Ruohua detailed the institution’s vision and structure during recent appearances at the China-ASEAN Rule of law Forum and in interviews with Chinese state media.
The International Mediation Institution (IMI), headquartered in Hong Kong, is quickly establishing itself as a key player in international dispute resolution, just over a month after its official launch on October 20. The organization aims to provide an alternative to traditional litigation and arbitration, offering a more collaborative approach to resolving conflicts between nations and commercial entities.
IMI Secretary-General Zheng Ruohua highlighted the institution’s growing recognition, including its observer status at the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law. She also noted ongoing efforts to refine internal mechanisms and make key documents publicly available on the official website.
Zheng Ruohua recently discussed the advantages of mediation over litigation and arbitration, the types of disputes the IMI will handle, and the institution’s potential to boost development in the Greater Bay Area. The IMI’s establishment comes as international cooperation and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms are increasingly vital in a complex geopolitical landscape.
A Taijitu Analogy for Mediation
Speaking at the Seventh China-ASEAN Rule of Law Forum in Chongqing, Zheng Ruohua emphasized the importance of harmony and inclusivity in resolving disputes. “Eastern culture cherishes peace and values tolerance, seeking common ground while preserving differences. This is precisely the focus of mediation,” she said.
During an interview with reporters, Zheng Ruohua used the imagery of a Taijitu – the familiar yin and yang symbol – to illustrate the principles of mediation. She explained that the black and white elements are not opposing forces, but rather interconnected and interdependent, creating a dynamic and balanced whole. “This is like mediation,” she said.
She further explained that litigation and arbitration are often adversarial, resulting in a “winner-takes-all” outcome. Mediation, in contrast, prioritizes reaching a mutually acceptable solution without assigning blame.
Zheng Ruohua noted that international investment projects often span decades, and adversarial legal proceedings can hinder their progress. She argued that mediation can overcome these obstacles by fostering continued collaboration, for example, through adjustments to investment structures or concession agreements.
She stated that the IMI embodies a philosophy of “win-win cooperation” and bridges Eastern and Western cultural perspectives, representing a “significant contribution to improving global governance.”
Three Areas of Dispute Resolution
Mediation is recognized in the United Nations Charter as a key method for peacefully resolving disputes. Currently, 38 countries have signed the Convention on the Establishment of the International Mediation Institution, with 10 having completed the ratification process.
According to Zheng Ruohua, the IMI will primarily handle disputes between states, disputes between a state and nationals of another state, and international commercial disputes between private entities, as outlined in the Convention.
She emphasized that the core principle of mediation is “mutual consent,” and the IMI will always respect the autonomy of the parties involved when accepting cases.
The Convention does include certain limitations on the scope of cases the IMI can hear. Article 29, for example, allows signatory states to establish specific restrictions or reservations. Zheng Ruohua believes this balances national sovereignty with the IMI’s commitment to respecting the principle of party autonomy.
“The Convention clearly states that the International Mediation Institution is an independent international organization, not affiliated with any single country. We will listen to the opinions of all signatory states and serve all nations,” she said.
Hong Kong as a “Mediation Hub”
During the interview, Zheng Ruohua described the design of the IMI flag, which features a depiction of the historic Old Wan Chai Police Station in Hong Kong, now renovated to serve as the institution’s headquarters. “We are deeply honored to work in this building,” she said.
China is the initiating country and host nation for the IMI, and the selection of Hong Kong as its headquarters is significant. Zheng Ruohua, a Hong Kong resident, believes this demonstrates the strengths of the “one country, two systems” framework and leverages Hong Kong’s unique advantages.
“Hong Kong is an international metropolis with a spirit of daring and innovation. It is convenient for representatives from other countries to come to Hong Kong for meetings, and we can more easily attract international talent to work at the IMI,” she said.
Zheng Ruohua added that the unanimous agreement of all signatory states to locate the IMI headquarters in Hong Kong reflects international confidence in Hong Kong’s rule of law.
She stated that Hong Kong’s robust legal environment provides a solid foundation for the IMI’s operations and will facilitate Hong Kong’s continued international engagement and its development as a “global mediation hub.”
Supporting the Belt and Road Initiative with Rule of Law
“Advocating for reconciliation, cooperation, and harmony, upholding fairness, justice, and equity, promoting consultation, joint construction, and shared benefits, and advocating for a people-centered approach with a pragmatic orientation…” observers note that the IMI’s principles align closely with the goals of global governance initiatives.
“We hope that the International Mediation Institution can play an active role in promoting international rule of law and providing legal safeguards for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation,” Zheng Ruohua said.
ASEAN has been China’s largest trading partner for many years, and the increasingly close economic and investment ties between the two regions require enhanced legal cooperation to ensure stability, manage risks, and protect cooperative outcomes.
Currently, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Timor-Leste have all signed the Convention. During her visit to the China-ASEAN Rule of Law Forum, Zheng Ruohua encouraged more ASEAN nations to join the IMI and contribute to building an international institution that offers convenient, efficient, and mutually beneficial dispute resolution mechanisms.
Looking ahead, Zheng Ruohua emphasized the importance of cultivating a skilled legal workforce. She stated that the expertise of mediators is crucial for successful resolutions, and further efforts are needed to select and train qualified mediators, ultimately creating a sustainable “mediation ecosystem.”
