Chinese Humanitarian Law and International Humanitarian Law

Abstract

The development of international humanitarian law is traditionally associated with the awakening of a humanitarian consciousness in Europe and North America. The history of Ancient China is a veritable catalogue of bloodshed and conflict. Violations of international humanitarian law are largely punished in international criminal courts and tribunals. In 1946, China actively participated in the International Military Tribunal for the Far East. With the trials of the Japanese war criminals in Tokyo and in domestic war criminal courts, Chinese scholars began to get acquainted with international humanitarian law and international criminal law. International humanitarian law are currently measured in the adoption of and adherence to international conventions and treaties. As the victim of internal and international armed conflicts for centuries, China recognizes the vital importance of establishing a permanent international criminal court to end impunity and safeguard peace. Consequently, China has supported proposals for creating an international criminal court. Keywords:Ancient China; Chinese humanitarian law; international criminal court; international criminal law; international humanitarian law