
HONG KONG - Dozens of countries joined China on Friday in establishing an international mediation-based dispute resolution group.

Representatives from more than 30 countries — including Pakistan, Indonesia, Belarus, and Cuba — signed the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation in Hong Kong, becoming founding members of the new global body. The signing followed remarks by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
The strong support from developing nations signaled Beijing’s growing influence in the Global South amid rising geopolitical tensions, partially fueled by U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs. At the signing ceremony, Wang said China has long advocated resolving differences through dialogue, mutual understanding, and consensus-building — offering what he described as “Chinese wisdom” for managing international conflicts. “The establishment of the International Organization for Mediation helps to move beyond the zero-sum mindset of ‘you lose and I win,’” Wang said. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the organization aims to promote the peaceful resolution of international disputes and foster more harmonious global relations, he added. (Jamaica Gleaner)

