Latest news with #internationalrelations
LBCI
20 hours ago
- General
- LBCI
Iran steps up production of highly enriched uranium: IAEA
Iran has stepped up the production of highly enriched uranium in recent months, according to a confidential report by the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, seen by AFP on Saturday. The agency spoke of "serious concern" that Iran had increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to up to 60 percent between February and mid-May and criticized "less than satisfactory" cooperation from Tehran over its scrutiny of Iran's nuclear program. AFP
South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Wang Yi ushers in new era of China-led mediation with Hong Kong-based legal body
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spearheaded a signing ceremony in Hong Kong on Friday to establish the world's first intergovernmental organisation dedicated to mediation, which he said would transcend 'you-lose-I-win' mindsets and improve representation of the Global South. Advertisement Most of the 33 signatories of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation were African countries, such as Algeria, Ethiopia and Cameroon. Alongside them were five countries – including Pakistan, Laos and Indonesia – from Asia, five from Latin America and the Caribbean, five from Oceania and two from Europe. Wang, China's top diplomat, said the new legal body would fill the 'institutional gap' in international mediation and serve as 'an important public good' in the field of the rule of law, ensuring better global governance. 'The birth of the mediation centre will help transcend the 'you-lose-I-win' zero-sum mentality, promote the amicable resolution of international disputes and foster more harmonious international relations,' Wang told the audience. The body's headquarters, located at the former Wan Chai Police Station, is due to open by the end of this year or early 2026. Advertisement Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the setting up of the organisation was increasingly important given the 'mounting geopolitical tensions' globally and protectionism that threatened to derail the international trade order.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
China establishes mediation forum in Hong Kong to rival International Court of Justice
Dozens of countries joined China on Friday in establishing an international mediation-based dispute resolution group. Representatives of more than 30 other countries, from Pakistan and Indonesia to Belarus and Cuba, signed the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation in Hong Kong to become founding members of the global organisation, following Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi. The support of developing countries signaled Beijing 's rising influence in the global south amid heightened geopolitical tensions, partly exacerbated by US president Donald Trump 's trade tariffs. At a ceremony, Mr Wang said China has long advocated for handling differences with a spirit of mutual understanding and consensus-building through dialogue, while aiming to provide 'Chinese wisdom' for resolving conflicts between nations. 'The establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation helps to move beyond the zero-sum mindset of 'you lose and I win,'' he said. The body, headquartered in Hong Kong, aims to help promote the amicable resolution of international disputes and build more harmonious global relations, he said. Beijing has touted the organisation as the world's first intergovernmental legal organisation for resolving disputes through mediation, saying it will be an important mechanism in safeguarding the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. It also positioned Hong Kong as an international legal and dispute resolution services center in Asia. Mr Wang said the city's rule of law is highly developed, with the advantages of both common law and mainland Chinese law systems, asserting that it possesses uniquely favorable conditions for international mediation. Hong Kong leader John Lee said the organisation could begin its work as early as the end of this year. The ceremony was attended by representatives from some 50 other countries and about 20 organisations, including the United Nations. Yueming Yan, a law professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said the new organisation is a complementary mechanism to existing institutions such as the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague. 'While the ICJ and PCA focus on adjudication and arbitration, IOMed introduces a structured, institutionalised form of alternative dispute resolution — namely, mediation — on a global scale,' she said. Although many details about the new body are yet to be clarified, it could open the door for greater synergy between formal litigation or arbitration and more flexible methods like mediation, she said. Shahla Ali, a law professor at the University of Hong Kong, said the International Organisation for Mediation would have the capacity to mediate disputes between states, between a state and a national of another state, or in international commercial disputes. 'Conventions can provide opportunities to experiment with new approaches," she said, noting rising interest in mediation globally as a means to resolve investor-state disputes.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
China sets up international mediation body in Hong Kong
HONG KONG - China signed a convention setting up an international organisation for mediation in Hong Kong on Friday that Beijing hopes will be on par with the International Court of Justice and bolster the city's international credentials. The move comes amid growing geopolitical tensions that have been exacerbated by U.S. President Donald Trump's global trade war and fuelled risks of a sharp worldwide economic downturn. Escalating trade tensions between China and the U.S. have been a focal point for investors and markets in recent months, with the trade war leading to significant impacts on global commerce and supply chains. The mediation body aims to cement Hong Kong's presence as a top centre to resolve disputes between countries, leader John Lee said earlier this week, adding that it's status would be on par with the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration of the United Nations in The Hague. It would help bring "substantial" economic benefits and job opportunities and stimulate various sectors including hospitality and transport, Lee said. Indonesia, Pakistan, Laos, Cambodia and Serbia were among the countries attending the signing ceremony. Representatives from 20 international bodies including the United Nations were also expected to join, public broadcaster RTHK said. A video shown at the signing, which was presided by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, said the scope of cases that would be handled include disputes between countries, between a country and nationals of another country and between private international entities. The mediation group could advance China's influence internationally and promote a more assertive role for the world's second-largest economy in global governance, some analysts said. Hong Kong's Justice Secretary Paul Lam said that the new body would help Hong Kong cope with challenges that arise when "hostile external forces are attempting to de-internationalise and de-functionalise" the city. Hong Kong tied with Singapore for second place, behind London, as the top choice for a seat of arbitration in 2025, according to the 2025 International Arbitration Survey conducted by Queen Mary University of London. The new organisation's headquarters will be located at a former police station in the bustling Wan Chai district, and is due to open by the end of this year or early 2026.
Japan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Japan Times
China sets up international mediation body in Hong Kong
China signed a convention on Friday setting up an international organization for mediation in Hong Kong that Beijing hopes will be on par with the International Court of Justice and bolster the city's international credentials. The move comes amid growing geopolitical tensions that have been exacerbated by U.S. President Donald Trump's global trade war and fueled risks of a sharp worldwide economic downturn. Escalating trade tensions between China and the U.S. have been a focal point for investors and markets in recent months, with the trade war leading to significant impacts on global commerce and supply chains. The mediation body aims to cement Hong Kong's presence as a top center to resolve disputes between countries, leader John Lee said earlier this week, adding that its status would be on par with the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration of the United Nations in The Hague. It would help bring "substantial" economic benefits and job opportunities and stimulate various sectors including hospitality and transport, Lee said. Indonesia, Pakistan, Laos, Cambodia and Serbia were among the countries attending the signing ceremony. Representatives from 20 international bodies including the United Nations were also expected to join, public broadcaster RTHK said. A video shown at the signing, which was presided over by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, said the scope of cases that would be handled include disputes between countries, between a country and nationals of another country and between private international entities. The mediation group could advance China's influence internationally and promote a more assertive role for the world's second-largest economy in global governance, some analysts said. Hong Kong's Justice Secretary Paul Lam said that the new body would help Hong Kong cope with challenges that arise when "hostile external forces are attempting to de-internationalize and de-functionalize" the city. Hong Kong tied with Singapore for second place, behind London, as the top choice for a seat of arbitration in 2025, according to the 2025 International Arbitration Survey conducted by Queen Mary University of London. The new organization's headquarters will be located at a former police station in the bustling Wan Chai district, and is due to open by the end of this year or early 2026.
