Recently, Li Hu, Vice Chairman of CMAC, was designated to the Panel of Conciliators of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) for a term of six years, from May 16, 2024, to May 16, 2030. Previously, Li Hu was designated to the Panel of Arbitrators of ICSID in 2017, with his term starting on August 22, 2017, and ending on August 22, 2023.

ICSID, established under the 1965 Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States (The 1965 Washington Convention) and sponsored by the World Bank, is the first international arbitration institution dedicated to resolving investment disputes between foreign investors and host states under bilateral or multilateral investment protection agreements (treaties). It aims to resolve international investment disputes involving host governments through mediation and arbitration, fostering an atmosphere of mutual trust between foreign investors and host countries, thereby promoting international investment activities. China ratified The 1965 Washington Convention in 1992, which came into effect for China in 1993. According to the convention, each ICSID Contracting State is entitled to designate up to four persons to the Panel of Arbitrators and four persons to the Panel of Conciliators, each with a six-year term.

China has become a major global player in attracting foreign investment and making outbound investments. CMAC will take Li Hu’s designation to the ICSID Conciliator Panels as an opportunity to strengthen research on international investment mediation and arbitration theory and practice, making positive contributions to safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of foreign investors and host countries and promoting healthy international investment development.

The other seven experts designated to the Panel of Arbitrators and the Panel of Conciliators are (in alphabetical order): Chi Manjiao (Professor at the Law School of the University of International Business and Economics), Fan Mingchao (Standing Deputy Chairman of the Shanghai Arbitration Commission), Shi Jingxia (Professor at the Law School of Renmin University of China), Wang Xuehua (the Chief Partner of Beijing Huanzhong & Partners), Dr William Wong SC, JP (Senior Counsel in Hong Kong), Yi Xianhe (Professor of International Law at China Foreign Affairs University and Director of the Chinese Institute of International Law at China Foreign Affairs University), and Zhao Hong (Professor at the Law School of Peking University).