China plans legal research centres to boost 'One Belt, One Road' project
Top court is creating institutions at universities to use expertise in support of investment abroad
The Supreme People's Court has established a research centre to deal with legal affairs for the "One Belt, One Road" initiative.
The centre was inaugurated at the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law on Saturday, and the top court will set up similar research centres at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Tsinghua University, and the China University of Political Science and Law, Xinhua reported.
"The objective of setting up such research centres is to utilise the experts [at various institutions] in international trade, finance, investment and legal affairs," Liu Jingdong, from the top court, said. "We will step up research on the laws related to the One Belt, One Road initiative, and provide support in commercial and maritime affairs that involve dealing with overseas."
The initiative, advocated by President Xi Jinping, is aimed at boosting trade and infrastructure links with countries stretching from Asia to Africa.
It follows the signing of the articles of agreement for the Beijing-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank in June. Many see the bank as an attempt by Beijing to strengthen its presence abroad.
Beijing is building a team of international law experts. The foreign ministry established an international law committee this year, emphasising its hopes of advancing its interests through treaties and legal provisions.
