Conference reaffirms UN-centered system for global peace and security

The current international order is facing unprecedented challenges and uncertainties. All States, especially major states with special responsibilities and influence in international affairs, should uphold the international rule of law and oppose the illegal use of force in international relations, scholars urged in Shanghai.

Over 1,500 law scholars, industry experts, practitioners and students gathered from Friday to Sunday at the 2026 Annual Academic Conference of the Chinese Society of International Law, reached a consensus and issued the above statement.

In recent months, there have been grave instances of illegal use of force in Latin America and the Middle East.

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The statement solemnly condemns the illegal acts of the United States and Israel, and believes that it is necessary to reaffirm the imperative of observing the United Nations Charter and international law in order to effectively safeguard international peace and security.

The UN Charter constitutes the legal cornerstone of the post-World War II international order. Article 2(4) of the UN Charter establishes the fundamental principle under international law of the prohibition of the use of force, said the statement.

However, the United States blatantly launched a military strike against Venezuela on Jan 3, forcibly seized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, and removed them to the United States — a military operation with no lawful justification. It seriously violates the principle prohibiting the use of force, severely infringes on Venezuela's territorial sovereignty, and grossly breaches the rule under international law regarding the personal inviolability and immunity of heads of State.

Still, the US and Israel initiated large-scale military strikes against Iran on Feb 28. The armed conflict in the Middle East has continued to this date.

These actions constitute the use of force prohibited by international law, amount to an armed attack against and an invasion of Iran, and violate the rule under international law regarding the personal inviolability of heads of State. Furthermore, the attacks on Iranian civilians and civilian objects, including schools, hospitals and energy facilities, also seriously violate international humanitarian law.

"We call on all States, especially major States with special responsibilities and influence in international affairs, to abide by international law, practice the international rule of law, and settle international disputes peacefully.

"We call on all States to resolutely oppose the illegal use of force in international relations, maintain international peace and security, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity," said the statement.

Xiao Kai, president of East China University of Political Science and Law and a co-host of the conference, noted that the international rule of law is facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Chinese international law scholars should not only interpret the world, but also participate in shaping it.

"We shall resolutely uphold the international system with the UN at its core and the international order based on international law, and actively participate in the reform of the global governance system, contributing Chinese wisdom and strength to establishing a more equitable and reasonable international legal order," he said at the closing ceremony on Sunday.

This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, commonly known as the Tokyo trials. A special session was held on Saturday during the conference to commemorate the historical event and call for a sound understanding of international law to uphold the post-war international order.

Liao Shiping, professor at Beijing Normal University, said the Tokyo trials not only laid an important practical foundation for modern international criminal justice but also advanced the development of many key legal concepts, exerting a profound influence on both international and domestic criminal law theory. He emphasized that Japan's acceptance of the Tokyo trials signified its acceptance of the post-war international legal order and its restoration of legitimate status as a member of the international community. Also, the institutional framework established by the trials provided a legal foundation for Japan's post-war economic and social development.

Guan Jianqiang, professor at East China University of Political Science and Law, stressed that the Tokyo trials were, in essence, an international tribunal of great "civilizational and legal significance" and had a profound impact on the establishment of the post-war international legal order.

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He called for more voices from law scholars and closer communication between China and Japan, especially among the younger generations.

"I saw hope among the young protesters in the rally against war last month in Japan. I believe the Japanese people are just like us Chinese. They, too, have a sense of conscience and are capable of making their own judgments if they are provided with sufficient and correct information on historical facts," said Guan.

The younger generation is already taking action.

Jiang Peichen, 29, a PhD student at the Research Institute of War Crimes Trials and World Peace at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, is leveraging his language skills to research the Tokyo trials from a Japanese local perspective, aiming to uphold historical truth, a stable international order and eventually, world peace.

Contact the writers at wangxin2@chinadaily.com.cn