Panda as Peacemaker: China, International Dispute Resolution, and the Founding of the International Organization for Mediation

Abstract

The Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation, signed on May 30, 2025, in Hong Kong SAR by 33 founding states, created the first permanent intergovernmental body dedicated solely to mediation. Drawing on China’s mediation experience and its cultural emphasis on harmony, the Organization provides a platform for disputes between states, state-foreign nationals, and private parties in international commerce. The Convention defines mediation, establishes safeguards, specifies case scope, and creates a cross-border enforcement mechanism for settlement agreements. By diversifying pathways for dispute settlement, enhancing the voice of developing countries, and fostering the development of mediation, the Organization provides a flexible and reliable framework, representing a major advance in global dispute resolution.