From March 7th to 9th, 2025, the 12th "Long'an Cup" International Criminal Court Moot Court Competition in English for Chinese Universities, jointly organized by China University of Political Science and Law and Southwest Medical University, and co-hosted by Beijing Long'an Law Firm, the Judicial Appraisal Center of Southwest Medical University, and Sichuan Hengzheng Law Firm, was held at the Chengbei Campus of Southwest Medical University in Luzhou City, Sichuan Province. Ultimately, the team from Shanghai University of International Business and Economics emerged as the champion of this year's competition. The teams from Wuhan University and Ningbo University secured the second and third places, respectively. Additionally, teams from Shanghai University of International Business and Economics, Wuhan University, Ningbo University, Southwest University of Political Science and Law, and Fudan University earned the qualification to participate in the international rounds in The Hague, Netherlands.

The International Criminal Court Moot Court Competition in English for Chinese Universities is an English-language moot court competition based on the substantive and procedural rules of the International Criminal Court. It is also one of the renowned global moot court competitions in the field of international law, where the top five Chinese universities are granted the opportunity to compete internationally in The Hague. This year's event attracted 60 university teams from across the country, with over 30 Chinese and international legal experts serving as judges. Through a rigorous anonymous evaluation process, the top 27 teams with the best memorials advanced to the oral rounds.

After multiple rounds of competition, including the semi-finals and finals, the participating teams engaged in intense debates on a series of cutting-edge and complex legal issues. These included the scope of jurisdiction over individuals with dual nationality, whether "gender segregation" constitutes other inhumane acts, the attribution of responsibility for lethal autonomous weapon systems, the international criminal liability of CEOs of private enterprises, standards of evidence, and the crime of obstructing justice. Their outstanding performances in the courtroom not only demonstrated a profound understanding and application of international criminal law but also showcased a perfect blend of legal thinking and debate skills. Each round of oral arguments was filled with suspense and surprises, highlighting the participants' professionalism and team spirit.

Throughout the competition, the participants honed their legal thinking, language expression, teamwork, and on-the-spot problem-solving abilities through case research, legal writing, and simulated court proceedings. They learned to analyze issues from diverse perspectives, remain composed under pressure, and communicate effectively with teammates and opponents from different backgrounds. These invaluable experiences will have a profound impact on their future careers, equipping them with greater confidence and poise on the international stage of the rule of law.

On the afternoon of March 9th, the closing ceremony and awards presentation were held in the First Academic Lecture Hall of the Chengbei Campus of Southwest Medical University. He Tao, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and President of Southwest Medical University, attended the ceremony and delivered a speech. Zhu Lijiang, Vice Dean of the School of International Law at China University of Political Science and Law, addressed the audience as a representative of the International Criminal Court Moot Court Competition Organizing Committee. Li Changqing, Senior Partner at Beijing Long'an Law Firm, spoke as a representative of the co-organizing units. Marwa Shabbar, Head of the Legal Department at the International Committee of the Red Cross East Asia Regional Delegation, delivered remarks as a judge representative. Chen Haibo from Ningbo University and Guo Jinjing from Southwest University of Political Science and Law spoke as representatives of team coaches and team members, respectively.

During the ceremony, certificates were presented to judges, competition secretaries, and volunteers. Awards were also given for the Best Memorial, Best Preliminary Round Oralist, Best Final Round Oralist, as well as the Champion, Runner-up, and Third Place teams, along with first, second, and third prizes.

The successful hosting of this competition has not only served as a powerful engine for promoting the dissemination and popularization of international criminal law knowledge but has also ignited students' profound interest in international law, providing an exceptional practical platform for cultivating foreign-related legal talents. Simultaneously, the competition has fostered international exchange and cooperation, showcasing the fruitful achievements of China's legal education and contributing Chinese strength to the construction of a more just and equitable international legal order. Its influence is bound to become increasingly prominent over time, inspiring more law students to dedicate themselves to the cause of international rule of law.

Attachment: List of Winners

Champion: Shanghai University of International Business and Economics (SUBIET)

First runner-up: Wuhan University

Second runner-up: Ningbo University

Universities qualifying for the international competition

Shanghai University of International Business and Economics (SUBIET), Wuhan University, Ningbo University, Southwestern University of Political Science and Law (SWUPPL), Fudan University

First Prize

Southwestern University of Political Science and Law (SWUPPL), China University of Political Science and Law (CUPPL), Wuhan University, East China University of Political Science and Law (ECUPPL), Fudan University, Jilin University, School of International Law (SIL) of Peking University (PKU), Ningbo University, Shanghai University of International Business and Economics

Second Prize

Central South University, Ocean University of China, Foreign Affairs College, University of International Business and Economics, Shenzhen University, Liaoning University, Southwest Medical University, Shandong University of Finance and Economics, Beijing Normal University

Third Prize

Central South University of Economics and Law, University of Inner Mongolia, Peking University, Soochow University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Tianjin Normal University, Jiangnan University, University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Tongji University, Hunan University of Commerce and Industry, Southeast University

Best Memorial Award

Wuhan University, Southwest University of Political Science and Law, Jilin University, Beijing Normal University, Fudan University

Best Debater in Final Round

Zhou Junyu (Shanghai University of International Business and Economics)

Best Debater in Preliminary Round

Chen Yawen (School of International Law, Peking University)

Best Prosecutor in Preliminary Round