China has launched the International Organisation for Mediation in Hong Kong on May 30, signed by 31 countries, establishing what officials describe as the world's first intergovernmental body dedicated to mediation, the organisation announced.

The initiative comes amid China's expanding global influence, whilst the United States reduces its international engagement under President Donald Trump, and represents efforts to restore Hong Kong's reputation as a business hub following Beijing's 2020 national security law. The organisation's stated aims are to help "transcend the zero-sum mentality of 'win or lose'" and "promote the amicable resolution of international disputes" amid ongoing trade tensions between China and the United States, which are affecting global commerce and supply chains.

The organisation said it will handle disputes between nations, between countries and foreign nationals, and among private international entities, operating from a former police station in Hong Kong's Wan Chai district. 

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said the body would have status "on par with the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration" in The Hague, with operations expected to begin by late 2025 or early 2026.

The confirmed founding member countries include China, Indonesia, Pakistan, Laos, Cambodia, Serbia, Belarus, Sudan, Algeria, and Djibouti, as well as Cuba.

Hong Kong Justice Secretary Paul Lam framed the establishment as a response to "hostile external forces" attempting to "de-internationalise and de-functionalise" Hong Kong after the national security law "shook confidence in the impartiality of the city's legal system."

Lee predicted the mediation body would bring "substantial" economic benefits and employment opportunities whilst stimulating the hospitality and transport sectors, leveraging Hong Kong's common law system and established alternative dispute resolution infrastructure.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said mediation represents "a relatively more amicable way to settle disputes" with "unique advantages of greater flexibility, convenience, lower costs and more effective implementation."

Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos Hessebon wrote on social media platform X “Committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes & cognizant of the need for a fair & efficient public & investment dispute resolution mechanism attuned to the needs of developing countries, Ethiopia welcomes the establishment of the International Mediation Organisation.”

The launch comes as part of China's "more proactive approach in international affairs" as Beijing seeks to expand influence in global bodies and position Hong Kong as a key international mediation centre.

The choice of Hong Kong is also prominent due to the city’s international status over the past century, although it remains under the ultimate control of Beijing.