The 16th International Air Law Moot Court Competition China National Rounds took place from February 21st to 23rd, 2025, in Datong, Shanxi. This domestic competition attracted teams from prestigious universities across China, including China University of Political Science and Law, Wuhan University, East China University of Political Science and Law, Beihang University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Peking University School of Transnational Law, Civil Aviation University of China, Beijing Institute of Technology, Xinjiang University, Shanghai University of International Business and Economics, Shenzhen University, Shandong University of Finance and Economics, and Shanghai University of Political Science and Law.

The team from China University of Political Science and Law was led by Associate Professor Zhang Luping and Dr. Li Jiankun from the School of International Law. The team members included Liu Yiran (oralist and captain), a 2021 undergraduate from the School of International Law; Chen Jianing (oralist), a 2022 undergraduate from the School of International Law; Yang Jiaqi (oralist), a 2023 undergraduate from the School of International Law; Wang Xueyan (researcher), a 2021 undergraduate from the School of International Law; Yang Yining (researcher), a 2022 undergraduate from the School of Foreign Studies; and An Yao (researcher), a 2023 undergraduate from the School of International Law.

This competition focused on cutting-edge issues in international air law, including "Jurisdiction of the International Civil Aviation Organization," "Obligations of Prevention and Cooperation under International Environmental Law," "State Illegal Subsidies and Fair Competition Issues," "Airport Charges under Article 15 of the Chicago Convention," and "Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA)." Our university's team was formed in the first semester of the 2024-2025 academic year. Through collaborative efforts, the team conducted case analysis, legal research, memorial drafting, coach feedback, and both online and offline mock practices. After the memorial evaluation, our team secured first place in both the applicant and respondent memorials, earning a direct advancement to the finals. Ultimately, our team achieved seven awards, including the Third Place Team Award, Outstanding Coach Award (Zhang Luping and Li Jiankun), and Best Respondent Oralist Award (Liu Yiran and Yang Jiaqi), successfully qualifying for the international rounds to be held in Athens, Greece, this April.

The International Air Law Moot Court Competition was established at the suggestion of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and co-founded by the International Institute of Air and Space Law at Leiden University in the Netherlands and the Sarin Legal Foundation in India. It is currently the only world-class moot court competition focused on air law. Each year, the competition presents a meticulously designed hypothetical dispute in the field of international aviation, requiring participants from around the world to fully utilize their skills and apply relevant provisions, such as the Convention on International Civil Aviation, to defend the parties involved. The competition consists of written and oral components, both conducted in English.

The China National Rounds of this year's competition were organized by the Aviation Law Research Association of the China Law Society and China University of Political Science and Law, with the School of International Law at China University of Political Science and Law and Beijing Qizhong Law Firm serving as co-organizers. Support was provided by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of China (AOPA China), the International Cooperation Service Center of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, and the China Maritime Arbitration Commission. Live streaming support was provided by AOPA China members, and the event was coordinated by Professor Zhu Ziqin from China University of Political Science and Law. The judging panel included Ke Lijuan, Visiting Professor at McGill University and Partner at Ke Lijuan Law Firm; Dong Chungang, Partner at Jingtian & Gongcheng Law Firm; and Lei Ao from the International Cooperation Service Center of the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

Under the leadership of Professor Zhu Ziqin and the dedicated efforts of the organizing committee members, including Ni Junzi, Wang Xiaotong, Li Zhaocheng, Zhu Di, Ma Wanxin, and Dong Wenxin, the competition was successfully concluded.

After the competition, judges and faculty members engaged in discussions with the participating teams. During the seminar, Pablo Mendes de Leon, Chairman of the European Air Law Association, Emeritus Director and Professor of the International Institute of Air and Space Law at Leiden University, and former Director and Executive Chairman of the Air and Space Law Department at Leiden Law School, along with Huang Jiefang, Zhou Gengsheng Chair Professor at Wuhan University, shared their insights on the competition topics and offered encouragement to the teams. They expressed their hope that students would develop a passion for research in air law and foreign-related rule of law. Members of several teams enthusiastically participated in the discussions, sharing their experiences and reflections.

The outstanding performance of the China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL) team in this competition was made possible by the diligent guidance and support of the university's Space Law team, including professors Zhu Ziqin, Qin Huaping, Kong Dejian, Li Dapeng, Wang Lu, and Ding Ru. Additionally, the team received invaluable assistance from former members such as Wei Jiyu, Xing Zhixuan, Ren Miaoyang, Wang Xiaochen, Zhao Yue, Deng Haoyue, Li Yiwen, and Lu Ruoyi.

The Air Law Moot Court Competition, as a crucial component of practical legal education, provides students with opportunities to master international law knowledge, conduct in-depth legal analysis, enhance legal research skills, and improve their professional English proficiency. Furthermore, as a key element of CUPL's efforts to cultivate foreign-related legal talents, the competition helps students develop a passion for international law, fostering the growth of high-quality legal professionals with strong convictions, deep patriotism, solid legal foundations, and broad international perspectives. The CUPL team will continue to maintain a proactive attitude, work collaboratively, and carefully reflect on their experiences to strive for even greater achievements on the international stage.