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Agreement inked for new international mediation body: China and 32 other countries signed an agreement in Hong Kong on Friday to establish the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed), making them its founding members. With a proclaimed mission to offer an alternative to Western-dominated institutions such as the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration, IOMed will be the first intergovernmental organisation headquartered in Hong Kong. The 32 countries are all from the Global South and maintain friendly ties with China. By spearheading IOMed, China seeks to expand its influence in shaping international norms and dispute resolution mechanisms. (Xinhua)