Global envoys and experts are doubling down on mediation as a preferred way to resolve regional conflicts amid stalled US-Iran peace talks and China’s appeal for more countries to join its new mediation body.

According to Cui Jianchun, commissioner of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong, mediation ensures “to the greatest extent” the autonomy of disputing parties and its “unique charm” is the high respect given to the will of the parties.

Cui made the remarks at a summit in Hong Kong on May 8 held by the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed), the world’s first intergovernmental body focused on mediation-based dispute solutions.

He also encouraged countries to join the China-led initiative that was established last year and attracted 41 signatory states and 13 contracting countries.

Most recently, the organisation settled a maritime dispute involving parties from China and Singapore and resulted in a written agreement between both sides, according to the IOMed’s secretary general, Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah, who did not give details of the case.