From February 15 to 18, 2025, the 23rd Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition (JESSUP) national selection rounds were held at the China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL) in Beijing. This all-English competition gathered elite students from top law schools across China, including Peking University, Renmin University of China, Beijing Normal University, CUPL, and East China University of Political Science and Law, among 66 others. After four days of intense competition, Peking University’s School of Transnational Law (STL) emerged as the national champion with a perfect win record, securing the China Region Championship and the National First Prize. The team also earned a spot in the International Rounds scheduled for April 2025 in Washington, D.C. This victory marks the second time since 2013 that the STL team has won the national title, further establishing the school’s continued excellence and growth in international law.
Group Award Certificate
Best Oralist Award Certificate
Victory Journey: From Round Robin to National Champion
In the preliminary rounds, the STL team showed an impressive performance with a 4-0 record, progressing to the knockout stage with ease. Moving into the elimination rounds, the team drew on its solid legal expertise, superb oral advocacy skills, and flawless teamwork to win four crucial matches. In the final, they impressed the judges with their rigorous logic and compelling arguments, ultimately claiming the China Region Championship and winning the National First Prize. Team members Tang Luyang, Lin Hongwei, and Lin Keyu were awarded the esteemed title of Best Oralist for their outstanding performances.
Group photo from the Second Round of the Preliminary
Group photo from the Round of 16 match against the Foreign Affairs University
Group photo from the Quarterfinal match against South China University of Technology
Group photo from the Semifinal match against Peking University Law School
The competition case focused on contemporary issues in international public law, addressing topics such as the criteria for recognizing legitimate governments, the boundaries of diplomatic immunity, the legal consequences of coastal erosion, and the interpretation of arbitration clauses in regional organization treaties. The complexity of these issues posed significant challenges for the participants, requiring them to conduct extensive legal research, case analysis, and the writing of detailed legal briefs to lay the foundation for their performance.
Exemplary Training in Foreign-related Legal Talent Development
Preparation for the competition began in July 2024 with systematic training under the full support of the school. The team was guided by Senior Lecturer Christian Pangilinan and Assistant Professor Kevin W. Gray, with student coaches Li Jieran (Class of 2022) and Hu Minghao (Class of 2021). Team members included Lin Hongwei (Class of 2023), Lin Keyu (Class of 2023), Tang Luyang (Class of 2023), and Li Zhiyao (Class of 2023). Throughout the training process, the team received valuable guidance from STL’s Moot Court Program Director Qiu Xiaoya, Senior Lecturer Xu Ruixiang, and Lecturer Pu Jinke from C.V. Starr. The team also benefited from the advice and support of alumni and previous team members, including Chen Liang, Huang Bowen, An Chenglong, Sun Chen, and Yang Yiqing.
Team Photo (Prof. Pangilinan, Li Zhiyao, Lin Keyu, Tang Lulang, Lin Hongwei, Hu Minghao)
Despite the intense academic and competition pressures, the team members remained relentlessly committed to excellence even during the Chinese New Year holiday. They focused on honing their skills, from legal research and oral presentations to time management and psychological adjustment, ensuring every aspect of their preparation was perfect.
The Jessup Competition: The “Olympics” of International Law
Photo from the Final Round
The Jessup is the largest and oldest international law moot court competition in the world, organized by the International Law Students Association (ILSA). Each year, over 900 universities from more than 100 countries compete for the honour of reaching the global finals. The competition not only promotes the study and research of international law but has become a key indicator of the quality of legal education, academic reputation, and international influence of law schools. For law students, participating in Jessup is a significant credential when applying to prestigious law schools or top international law firms.
Photo from the Final Round(Lin Hongwei, Lin Keyu, Li Zhiyao)
Strategic Breakthrough in Foreign-related Legal Talent Training
This victory signifies a major breakthrough for Peking University’s STL, following their third-place finish in the 21st Jessup competition in 2023. The success reflects the school’s educational philosophy of “rooted in China, facing the world” and its emphasis on integrating theory with practice. Recent innovations, including all-English common law courses, international moot court training, and lectures by top global scholars, have helped establish a comprehensive system for cultivating foreign-related legal talent. This achievement highlights the school’s dedication to internationalized legal education, equipping students to thrive in global legal arenas.
Award ceremony photo
The STL team is now set to compete in the International Rounds in Washington, D.C., scheduled for April 2025. With this victory as their foundation, they will continue polishing their legal arguments and oral advocacy skills in preparation for the global competition. Their aim is to further strengthen the representation of Chinese foreign-related legal professionals on the world stage.
Congratulations once again to the Peking University School of Transnational Law team. May you continue to carry the honor and expectations as you write the next chapter of STL’s brilliant legacy on the international stage!
