HKBA delegation begins Beijing visit with focus on AI and mediation

A delegation from the Hong Kong Bar Association (HKBA) began a multi-day visit to Beijing on Tuesday, holding meetings with the Ministry of Justice, the Supreme People’s Court, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Led by HKBA Chairman José Antonio Maurellet, the trip marks his first official visit to the capital since assuming the chairmanship.

“This visit aims to facilitate in-depth exchanges on legal matters of mutual concern from a legal professional’s perspective,” Maurellet said.

On the first day, the delegation met with officials from the Ministry of Justice and the All China Lawyers Association, before holding discussions at the Supreme People’s Court in the afternoon.

AI’s legal impact under spotlight

A key focus of the discussions was the growing impact of artificial intelligence, with the HKBA noting that its expanding application across sectors is expected to give rise to more complex cross-border disputes, particularly in intellectual property litigation.

The association highlighted the Intellectual Property Court of the Supreme People’s Court, established in 2019, as a valuable institutional model for addressing the legal challenges posed by emerging technologies.

Promoting Hong Kong as a ‘Capital of Mediation’

During the visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the delegation discussed the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) — the first international legal organization dedicated to resolving disputes through mediation — which has been co-signed by more than 30 countries and jurisdictions.

Citing the expertise of Hong Kong barristers in advocacy, common law, and international practice, Maurellet expressed confidence that Hong Kong has sufficient talent to contribute meaningfully to the IOMed.

He described the organization as an innovative development in international law that further reinforces Hong Kong’s position as a “Capital of Mediation.”

HKBA Vice Chairman Marin Hui Sui-ting also highlighted the association’s active role in promoting Hong Kong’s common law system at mainland and international legal forums.

The HKBA said maintaining an open and internationalized legal framework is key to fostering a fair and transparent business environment, supporting long-term economic prosperity through strong legal protections.

The association also welcomed the Ministry of Justice’s recent move to allow Greater Bay Area (GBA) lawyers with mainland practice qualifications to handle a broader range of cross-border civil cases in mainland courts, saying the measure would enable Hong Kong law firms to better serve mainland clients and strengthen legal support for regional business activities.

Following the launch of the GBA Lawyers Organization, the HKBA described the initiative as a positive step toward deeper professional exchange and cross-border collaboration.

Key meetings ahead

The delegation is expected to hold a key meeting on Wednesday (Dec 17) with the Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, as well as the Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

This will be followed by a meeting with the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council on Thursday (Dec 18), before the delegation returns to Hong Kong.

(Updated at December 17 9.11pm)

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