Author
Assoc Prof Han yichou
Organisation/Institution
East China University of Political Science and Law
Country
CHINA
Panel
International Law
Title
Double Standards in the Applicability of International Law
Abstract
The practice of double standards in international law disproportionately affects developing countries, including China, and is rooted in the historical concept of the "standard of civilization." This framework, employed by Western powers to justify colonialism, classified non-Western societies as "barbaric" unless they conformed to Western norms. Despite professed commitments to universal values such as human rights and democracy, Western nations often apply international law selectively, prioritizing their strategic interests over equitable legal standards. This binary thinking undermines the principles of equality and justice, challenging the integrity of the international legal order and eroding the legitimacy of international law as a fair mediator in global affairs. To address this issue, it is essential to reject arbitrary interpretations of international law and promote constructive dialogue between civilizations, recognizing both their differences and shared values. International law must evolve with changing global dynamics to remain relevant across diverse cultural contexts. Ensuring fairness and consistency in legal applications, enhancing international cooperation, and fostering mutual trust are crucial steps. This paper advocates for comprehensive reform of international law to establish a just and inclusive legal framework, emphasizing the importance of upholding the global rule of law and facilitating intercultural dialogue to achieve equitable international relations.
Biography
Associate Professor at the School of International Law, East China University of Political Science and Law; Master's Supervisor; Deputy Director of the International Exchange Office; and Deputy Dean of the International Education College. Graduated with a Ph.D. from East China University of Political Science and Law. Postdoctoral researcher at the Law School of Tsinghua University. Former Deputy Dean of the Graduate School. Focuses on teaching and research in international trade law and international public law. Serves as a council member of the Shanghai International Relations Society, a council member of the Legal Translation Research Committee of the Shanghai Law Society, a member of the International Security Law Research Committee of the Shanghai Law Society, and a member of the WTO Law Research Committee of the Shanghai Law Society. Recipient of multiple Young Excellent Paper Awards from the Chinese Society of International Economic Law. Recognized as a "High-Output Author in Chinese Jurisprudence" in 2015. Visiting scholar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2017. Included in the "Shanghai Youth Legal Talent Pool" in 2021.
