On May 30, 2025, China, in collaboration with over 30 countries—including Indonesia, Pakistan, Laos, Cambodia, and Serbia—formally established the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) in Hong Kong. This intergovernmental legal body is dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation, offering an alternative to traditional litigation and arbitration methods.

The signing ceremony, presided over by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, was attended by representatives from participating nations and international organizations, including the United Nations. The IOMed's headquarters will be located in the Old Wan Chai Police Station in Hong Kong, with operations expected to commence by late 2025 or early 2026.

The concept of IOMed was initiated by China and nearly 20 countries in 2022, aiming to create the world's first intergovernmental legal organization specializing in mediation for international disputes. Negotiations on the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation concluded successfully, with a unanimous consensus to establish the organization's headquarters in Hong Kong.

In December 2022, the Hong Kong Chief Executive in Council enacted the International Organizations (Privileges and Immunities) (Amendment) Bill 2022, granting immunity to certain personnel of the Preparatory Office. The Preparatory Office was officially established in February 2023, with representatives from the signatories of the Joint Statement on the Establishment of the International Mediation Organization attending the inauguration ceremony.

The Old Wan Chai Police Station was selected as the headquarters for IOMed, with the Hong Kong Legislative Council approving HK$466.6 million in funding for its conversion. The project is slated for substantial completion by mid-2025 to meet the operational timeline.

IOMed aims to provide a structured platform for resolving international disputes through mediation, distinguishing itself from judicial bodies like the International Court of Justice by emphasizing dialogue, mutual understanding, and consensus-building. The organization is expected to handle diverse disputes, including those between countries, between a country and nationals of another country, and between private international entities.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi highlighted that IOMed will "transcend the limit of litigation and arbitration in which one side wins and the other loses," aiming to achieve "win-win cooperation between disputing parties."

The establishment of IOMed in Hong Kong aligns with China's broader strategy to enhance the city's role as a center for international legal and dispute resolution services. Hong Kong's hybrid legal system, combining common law and Chinese law, positions it uniquely to support international legal services. The city's Justice Secretary, Paul Lam, stated that the new body would help Hong Kong cope with challenges arising when "hostile external forces are attempting to de-internationalize and de-functionalize" the city.

The Hong Kong Legislative Council has been actively supporting the development of the city's legal and dispute resolution services. In February 2025, the LegCo Secretariat released a Policy Pulse highlighting Hong Kong's strengths in legal services, including a deep pool of legal talent and world-renowned arbitration services. The establishment of IOMed's headquarters in Hong Kong is seen as a manifestation of the city's unique advantages in international mediation.

The signing ceremony was attended by representatives from over 30 countries, including Indonesia, Pakistan, Laos, Cambodia, and Serbia, as well as 20 international bodies, including the United Nations. This broad participation underscores the international community's support for the initiative and China's growing influence in global governance.

While the establishment of IOMed presents opportunities for peaceful conflict resolution, some analysts have expressed concerns regarding the protection of parties in Belt and Road Initiative-related disputes. Alicia Garcia-Herrero, chief Asia Pacific economist at Natixis, noted that borrowers or entities with Belt and Road contracts may feel less protected, citing previous arbitration centers in Chinese cities like Xi'an and Shenzhen that did not work well.

The establishment of the International Organization for Mediation marks a significant development in international dispute resolution, offering a mediation-based alternative to traditional litigation and arbitration. By situating IOMed's headquarters in Hong Kong, China reinforces the city's strategic position as a hub for international legal services, while also promoting a vision of peaceful conflict resolution through dialogue and mutual understanding.