Law as Strategy: The Weaponization of Trade Dispute Mechanisms in Sino-Western Relations

Rafiqi, Fathan; Maksum, Ali

doi:10.31947/hjirs.v6i1.48372

Jurnal

Law as Strategy: The Weaponization of Trade Dispute Mechanisms in Sino-Western Relations

Hasanuddin Journal of International Affairs · Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026) · pp. 35–48

DOI: 10.31947/hjirs.v6i1.48372
ISSN: 2775-3336, 2774-7328
Published: 2026-02-18
Publisher: Department of International Relations, Hasanuddin University
Language: en

Abstract

This article investigates the transformation of international trade law into a strategic instrument of geopolitical contestation, focusing on the legal rivalry between China and Western countries. Employing Lawfare Theory and Legal Realism, the study adopts an interdisciplinary method combining legal doctrine, international relations theories, and empirical case studies from WTO and ISDS mechanisms. The findings reveal that legal platforms originally designed for neutral dispute resolution have been repurposed as tools of statecraft. China’s increased legal engagement post-2018 signals a shift toward strategic legalism, where litigation serves as foreign policy. Meanwhile, the United States exercises unilateral legal strategies, undermining multilateral institutions. These actions reflect a broader erosion of legal neutrality, leading to procedural asymmetries that disadvantage Global South countries. The article concludes that without institutional reform and renewed global commitment to procedural justice, international legal mechanisms risk becoming arenas of symbolic dominance rather than fair adjudication. This trend challenges the foundational purpose of international law as a stabilizing force and invites critical reevaluation of legal norms amid a multipolar world order.

Keywords

Collaboration network of the authors

7 authors · 9 co-authorship links · 6 across different organisations

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Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta
University of Brawijaya
Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim
State University of Malang
Affiliation unknown

Different organisations
Same organisation
Affiliation unknown
Thicker line = more joint articles · bigger circle = more articles

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Co-author	Organisation	Joint articles
Intan Tiara Kartika	Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta	1
Wildana Wargadinata	Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim	1
Abdul Rohman	University of Brawijaya	1
Ahmad Taufiq	State University of Malang	1
Dewi Anjani Kartika Putri	Affiliation unknown	1

Affiliations come from OpenAlex; journal OAI-PMH metadata carries none. Authors without an OpenAlex ID are matched by name, which can merge or split people.

Metadata source: OAI-PMH (metadata jurnal) https://journal.unhas.ac.id/index.php/hujia/oai, first harvested 2 Nov 2026, last seen 2 Nov 2026.

Original metadata (oai_dc)

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	<dc:title xml:lang="en">Law as Strategy: The Weaponization of Trade Dispute Mechanisms in Sino-Western Relations</dc:title>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Rafiqi, Fathan</dc:creator>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Maksum, Ali</dc:creator>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">Lawfare</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">Dispute Settlement Mechanisms</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">Sino-Western Trade Relations</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">Legal Realism</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">Strategic Litigation</dc:subject>
	<dc:description xml:lang="en">This article investigates the transformation of international trade law into a strategic instrument of geopolitical contestation, focusing on the legal rivalry between China and Western countries. Employing Lawfare Theory and Legal Realism, the study adopts an interdisciplinary method combining legal doctrine, international relations theories, and empirical case studies from WTO and ISDS mechanisms. The findings reveal that legal platforms originally designed for neutral dispute resolution have been repurposed as tools of statecraft. China’s increased legal engagement post-2018 signals a shift toward strategic legalism, where litigation serves as foreign policy. Meanwhile, the United States exercises unilateral legal strategies, undermining multilateral institutions. These actions reflect a broader erosion of legal neutrality, leading to procedural asymmetries that disadvantage Global South countries. The article concludes that without institutional reform and renewed global commitment to procedural justice, international legal mechanisms risk becoming arenas of symbolic dominance rather than fair adjudication. This trend challenges the foundational purpose of international law as a stabilizing force and invites critical reevaluation of legal norms amid a multipolar world order.</dc:description>
	<dc:publisher xml:lang="en">Department of International Relations, Hasanuddin University</dc:publisher>
	<dc:date>2026-02-18</dc:date>
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	<dc:identifier>https://journal.unhas.ac.id/index.php/hujia/article/view/48372</dc:identifier>
	<dc:identifier>10.31947/hjirs.v6i1.48372</dc:identifier>
	<dc:source xml:lang="en">Hasanuddin Journal of International Affairs; Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026); 35 - 48</dc:source>
	<dc:source>2775-3336</dc:source>
	<dc:source>2774-7328</dc:source>
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	<dc:language>en</dc:language>
	<dc:relation>https://journal.unhas.ac.id/index.php/hujia/article/view/48372/14172</dc:relation>
	<dc:rights xml:lang="en">Copyright (c) 2026 Hasanuddin Journal of International Affairs</dc:rights>
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