From February 15 to 17, 2025, the 66th Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition and the 23rd China Regional Selection were held at the China University of Political Science and Law (Haidian Campus). The team from the Beijing Normal University Law School delivered a dominant performance, winning all four preliminary matches to advance to the knockout stage as the top seed. They then clinched three consecutive victories in the knockouts to reach the finals, ultimately securing the regional runner-up title and the First Prize. This achievement qualifies them once again to represent China at the international rounds in Washington, D.C. Furthermore, the team won first place for the Best Written Memorial Award (Petitioner). Additionally, Xi Ya (from the 2021 Maxdo Experimental Class in Law) and Zhang Zichao (from the 2021 Elite Experimental Class in Law) were honored with the “Best Speaker” title.

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Figure 1: The Beijing Normal University team won first place in the preliminary round.

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Figure 2: The Beijing Normal University team won first place in the Best Written Memorial Award (Petitioner).

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Figure 3: Xi Ya and Zhang Zichao received the Best Oralist title.

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Figure 4: Team members receiving the runner-up certificate for the China region.

Coached by Professor Liao Shiping, the BNU Jessup team was formed in April 2024. The roster features Team Leader Ran Jinxuan (Undergraduate, 2022 Elite Experimental Class in Law), alongside teammates Xi Ya (2021 Maxdo Experimental Class in Law), Zhang Zichao and Yang Jin (2021 Elite Experimental Class in Law), Qu Boyi (2022 Elite Experimental Class in Law), Qin Luyi (PhD in Law, 2024), Li Mingyu and Xu Hao (2023 JM Program), Zhang Boju (2023 LL.M. in International Law), Huang Jing (2024 JM Program), as well as Zheng Yuexi, Li Ruiyuan, and Chen Yiyan (all from the 2023 Elite Experimental Class in Law). The team’s journey began with new member training in April and preliminary legal research in August. Once the competition topics were released in September, they engaged in a rigorous cycle of legal research, internal discussions, coaching evaluations, memorial drafting, and intensive moot court practices. Their stellar performance is the best testament to the immense dedication and hard work of every member.

Figure 5: Group photo of the Jessup team family this year.

This year’s case revolved around complex issues, including the interpretation of jurisdiction clauses, the exercise of universal jurisdiction, the criminal immunity of state officials in foreign courts, the interpretation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in the context of climate change and rising sea levels, government recognition, and the immunity of foreign state property. These issues translated into four specific submissions before the International Court of Justice: the Court’s jurisdiction, the legality of arresting foreign officials, the legality of issuing fishing licenses in disputed waters, and the legality of seizing and selling state property.

The remarkable achievements of the BNU Law School team are inseparable from the staunch support of the Law School and the Hand Law School, as well as the meticulous guidance of their coach, Professor Liao Shiping. During the preparation phase, the team also received immense support and assistance from former Jessup members, including Guo Zixuan, Cheng Shuang, Yang Chen, Guo Yiwei, Liu Mingxin, Li Zhoujie, Guo Zihe, Liu Jianing, Chang Jingzi, Zhang Yi, Qu Shen, Yin Nohuan, and Liu Yueying.

Throughout the grueling months of preparation, the team members spent countless hours together, forging deep bonds and creating many precious memories. Let’s take a look at the unforgettable moments of our close-knit BNU Jessup team!

Best of luck to our team as they take on the global stage in Washington!