Abstract
As China rises as a global power, it confronts an international legal order historically shaped by Western actors. In response, China has adopted a dual strategy: engaging with existing institutions while building “parallel institutions” to advance its influence. This paper examines the International Commercial Dispute Prevention and Settlement Organization (ICDPASO) as a case study of this strategy and analyzes how China seeks to reshape international dispute resolution. Drawing on original empirical data—including 85 interviews with arbitrators, users, officials, and legal experts—this paper provides the first comprehensive analysis of ICDPASO’s strategic motivations, governance model, dispute resolution mechanisms, and user perceptions. We argue that ICDPASO is not merely a functional platform for resolving disputes, but a purposefully designed institution aimed at addressing legitimacy gaps, counterbalancing Western dominance, and asserting China’s normative leadership.