Chapter 2 establishes the foundational context of dispute resolution in China by delving into the cultural, social and political factors that shape Chinese mediation practices. The chapter highlights the significant influence of Confucianism on the Chinese mindset, emphasising harmonious, integrative and compromising approaches to conflict resolution. It discusses how Chinese people’s dispute resolution strategies are deeply rooted in social relationships (guanxi) and local governance structures, particularly in rural areas. The chapter also examines the balance between emotion and rationality in Chinese culture and its impact on mediation preferences. Additionally, it addresses the interaction between state law and local customs, illustrating the unique dynamics within China’s diverse and transitional society. The chapter concludes by emphasising the importance of empirical research and interdisciplinary methods to understand the complexities of Chinese mediation fully.

Chapter 5 delves into the ADR movement both globally and in China. Through an interdisciplinary methodology and fieldwork, it details how the policy of ‘persisting and developing the Fengqiao Experience’ is transmitted from the central government to the grassroots level. The chapter provides an in-depth analysis of how grassroots communities and judicial organisations in China implement central policies, innovate based on practical conditions and adapt pragmatically. It highlights the local characteristics of dispute resolution and the challenges faced by macro-level policies in addressing significant regional socioeconomic disparities in China.

Chapter 7 explores the dual facets of mediation in the grassroots society of China, particularly within the context of a developed city. Through fieldwork in the T District Court in southwest China, this chapter illustrates how mediators leverage their skills and local wisdom to navigate complex cases while interacting with government officials. The chapter provides an in-depth analysis of the judicial ecology in grassroots society, highlighting the role of social connections (guanxi) and the everyday interactions between judges and local authorities. It further discusses two detailed case studies, emphasising both the advantages and drawbacks of mediation. These insights contribute to understanding the nuanced application of mediation in a modern urban context, reflecting on its effectiveness, challenges and the interplay between formal legal structures and local customs.

Chapter 1 lays the groundwork for the book by emphasising the importance of an interdisciplinary perspective in studying Chinese law. It highlights the value of integrating cultural, social and legal dimensions, particularly within the Chinese context, to gain unique insights and practical applications in understanding mediation. The chapter explains why Chinese law is a valuable study area, presenting personal motivations and broader practical and theoretical values. It also explores methodologies for studying Chinese mediation, examining the development of alternative dispute resolution paradigms, including interest-based, person-based and Chinese holistic approaches. It emphasises the importance of thinking like a local lawyer and recommends empirical research methods to capture the complexity and nuances of Chinese mediation practices, setting the stage for a comprehensive analysis.

The Political Offense Exception (POE) became a key component of the revolutionary strategies of the 1890s, further complicating the implementation of extradition agreements between the Qing government and foreign powers. Chapter 5 reexamines the well-known episode of Sun Yat-sen’s “kidnapping” in London in the context of the Sino-Japanese War of 1894–1895 and the Qing’s ongoing struggle with unequal terms of extradition. It argues that Sun’s self-representation as a liberal political offender was constructed through his trial by media in London, specifically to align with the prevailing standard of the POE. This became a strategy followed by southern insurrectionists during the last decade of the Qing Empire.