Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book reviews China’s approach towards international investment agreements (IIAs). It argues that China’s dual identity as both a capital exporting and capital importing country is likely to affect China’s stance toward IIAs. The book analyzes the trend of investment related dispute settlement between Far East Asia and Latin America. It examines the settlement of investment disputes between Far East Asia and Latin American countries. The book explores the conditions that would entice Asian capital exporting countries, notably China, Japan, South Korea and Singapore, to embrace the idea of a Multilateral Investment Court, which has been promoted by the Economic Union and Canada. It addresses owner risk in South Korean conglomerates, focusing on nepotistic hiring and promotion. The book describes the evolution of Chinese investment treaty policy and practice, focusing on the objective criteria and ratione legis condition in the definition of investment.