Editorial | International law is road map to peace
- It is encouraging that Beijing wants to better understand and participate in the global, rules-based order but, to be taken seriously, it must separate this from self-serving propaganda
The diplomatic disputes amid today’s global tensions are often framed in terms of international legal obligations. Apparent compliance with the rules of the game lends legitimacy to each government’s position. Washington and Beijing recently accused each other of breaches of international law over the US downing of an alleged Chinese spy balloon. The law has also been invoked in relation to the war in Ukraine, disputes in the South China Sea and battles over trade.
China is well aware of the importance of legal rules. But it lacks expertise in the area. Last month, Beijing revealed it intended to upgrade the status of international law education. Institutions will be encouraged to develop programmes. The aim is to “cultivate a new generation of legal professionals” with a global outlook and expertise in the field. The move suggests China intends to increasingly rely on legal means to pursue its objectives and to resolve disputes.
Efforts to better understand and create awareness of international law are welcome. But there will be challenges for China to overcome. Experts from overseas will be needed to help develop knowledge in this highly specialist field. The official directive announcing the move included the familiar call for education to align with the “correct” political direction. It rejected “Western” concepts such as constitutionalism and the independence of the judiciary.
Education should encourage open-minded research and a broad understanding of international legal issues, rather than grooming students to better articulate Beijing’s line. Credibility will be important as China seeks to build its reputation for international law.
Beijing is also developing platforms for the resolution of international disputes. These can offer an alternative to what it often perceived to be unfair, black-and-white court decisions in the West and help with the complex belt and road infrastructure project.
A preparatory office for a new International Organisation for Mediation has been established in Hong Kong, with the intention that it will help settle differences between countries. Nine states have signed up so far. But the project is still in the early stages.
International law provides a basis to peacefully resolve disputes. Amid tension and conflict, it needs to be better understood.