New Delhi, May 30 -- China is reportedly set to launch what it portrays as a multilateral platform for the peaceful settlement of international disputes. Called the International Organization for Mediation, it will be based in Hong Kong. Countries of the Global South with which Beijing has close ties, such as Indonesia and Pakistan, among others, are said to be backing this initiative.

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As stated, its aim is to help settle disputes amicably through negotiation rather than bitter court battles. While this is not a direct gauntlet thrown down to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) set up by the West, let alone to the United Nations, the move still amounts to upp...