China sets up international mediation body
(VOVWORLD) - 32 countries on Friday signed the Convention on the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), an initiative spearheaded by China to resolve international disputes through mediation.
 The International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed) headquarters, a China-initiated body, is seen under construction for global dispute resolution, in Hong Kong, China, May 29, 2025. (Photo: Reuters/Tyrone Siu) |
IOMed’s establishment is an innovative move in the field of international rule of law and holds great significance in the history of international relations, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the signing ceremony in Hong Kong (China).
He calls on signatories to quickly ratify the convention and welcomes the active participation of more countries.
IOMed is the first intergovernmental body dedicated to mediation. Its mission is to mediate disputes between states or between a state and foreign investors, and international commercial disputes based on the will of relevant parties, Wang said.
According to the Convention, IOMed will officially inaugurate once more than three countries have ratified the Convention through their respective legal procedures. It is expected to go into effect in early 2026.