China and HCCH Signed Cooperation Agreement
The memorandum aims to strengthen international law and support global governance efforts.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in International Relations
China and the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) have formalized a new partnership through a signed memorandum of understanding. This agreement establishes a framework for collaborative development and implementation of international conventions.
Why it matters
The signing represents China's inaugural cooperation document with an international organization in the Netherlands specifically linked to the Global Governance Initiative. Both parties intend to use this framework to promote a more equitable global governance system.
The memorandum of understanding was officially signed on September 16, 2026. It serves as the primary instrument for future coordination between the signatory nation and the international organization.
The players
Shen Bo
Shen Bo serves as the Chinese Ambassador to the Netherlands and acted as a signatory for the memorandum.
Christophe Bernasconi
Christophe Bernasconi is the Secretary General of the HCCH and represented the organization during the signing.
Hague Conference on Private International Law
The HCCH is an international organization based in the Netherlands that works to unify rules of private international law.
The details
Chinese Ambassador to the Netherlands Shen Bo and HCCH Secretary General Christophe Bernasconi finalized the agreement during a meeting held in The Hague. The collaboration focuses on enhancing the reach of international law and supporting the collective goals of the Global Governance Initiative.
Timeline
September 16, 2026: China and the HCCH signed the memorandum of understanding.
Political Context
The opposition often questions the influence of international organizations in national legal standards, fearing a erosion of sovereignty. Critics frequently argue that such memorandums may lead to the prioritization of external global governance mandates over domestic policy frameworks.
This agreement does not immediately change individual tax or legal obligations for global citizens or businesses. However, it signals a long-term shift toward standardized international legal conventions that may eventually influence private law compliance across borders.
The takeaway
The move suggests a concerted effort to deepen China's involvement in international legal standardization. Observers should track which specific conventions the HCCH and China choose to prioritize for development in the coming months.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest shifts in International Relations.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cgtn.
