Outline

Overview

The unit covers the practice and perspectives of China on international law (including international economic law) and the impact of a rising China on the rule-based world order. It critically assesses Chinas international legal behaviour and evaluates the growing influence of China in the development of international law and institutions. Topics covered may include China's historical engagement with international law, Chinese domestic law and politics and their impact on China's foreign policy and international legal behaviour, China's territorial and maritime disputes with other nations, Chinese practice on the law of treaties, jurisdiction and immunities, human rights, the environment and the use of force, the question of Taiwan, the questions of Xinjiang and Tibet, Hong Kong and Macau and One Country Two Systems, Chinas integration in the global trade and financial systems, Belt and Road initiatives and international economic law, etc. The syllabus of the unit and its assessment are designed to develop your knowledge, skills and competence in the critical understanding of the complex relationship between the international legal order and an emerging superpower that subscribes to a distinctive set of social, historical and cultural assumptions and practices. The unit requires that you have studied the unit of Public International Law. Pre-existing knowledge of Chinese law or Chinese language is not required.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Law
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	LAWS5216
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Bing Ling, bing.ling@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task (0%) 10 multiple choice questions	0%	Week 03 Due date: 13 Mar 2026 at 23:59	10 questions / 30 mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Mid-Term Assignment (50%) Essay	50%	Week 09 Due date: 01 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 08 May 2026	3,000 words / 8 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Short Release Final Assignment (50%) Problem question	50%	Week 13 Due date: 29 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 05 Jun 2026	3,000 words / 5 days	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Early feedback task (0%): This unit includes an Early Feedback Task that is designed to provide students with timely insights into their understanding and engagement with the unit content and support students to stay on track for successful completion of the unit.

The Early Feedback Task in this unit is a 10 question multiple choice quiz. It will be tailored to reflect key concepts from weeks 1-2. The task will be available on Canvas from 23 February 2026 and must be completed by 11.59 pm Friday 13 March 2026 (Sydney, Australia time). Students will be provided with immediate automated feedback upon completion of the task.

Mid-Term Assignment (50%): The topic of the assignment will be released by 2 March 2026, 12:00 noon (Sydney, Australia time). The Mid-Term Assignment involves an essay question and must be no more than 3,000 words, excluding references. It is due at 1 May 2026, 23:59 (Sydney, Australia time) and is worth 50% of the final mark. Students must retain pre-submitted drafts of their assessments on file.

Short Release Final Assignment (50%): The Short Release Final Assignment is an assignment that students must complete within 5 days (120 hours). It will be released by 25 May 2026, 00:00 (Sydney, Australia time). The Final Assignment involves a problem question and must be no more than 3,000 words, excluding references. It is due at 29 May 2026, 23:59 (Sydney, Australia time) and is worth 50% of the final mark. Students must retain pre-submitted drafts of their assessments on file.

Word limit penalty: A piece of assessment which exceeds the prescribed word limit will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment for every 100 words, or part thereof. The total word count for essay and other written assessments will exclude all footnotes and any bibliography (if required), and exclude acknowledgements of permissible assistance from editors, automated writing tools or generative AI (where use is permitted).

Special consideration: Successful grants of Special Consideration may involve alternative tasks, as appropriate.

Assessment requirements to pass a unit of study: A student must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks set out in this Unit of Study in order to obtain a Pass mark and grade (or above); otherwise an Absent Fail grade will be recorded as the student’s result for this Unit of Study. As the EFT is an early diagnostic tool, this task is not included in the final grade for the unit.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Completely answers the question. Contains striking originality of approach or analysis. Demonstrates exhaustive or innovative research (where independent research required). Exceptionally well written, structured and expressed. Is otherwise exceptional in some way.
Distinction	75 - 84	Completely answers the question. Achieves a critical and evaluative approach to the issues. Content and structure is well organised in support of the argument. Demonstrates extensive research and analysis to support a well-documented argument. Generally well expressed and free from errors. Has a clear structure and is well articulated.
Credit	65 - 74	Covers main issues fairly well in answering the question. Contains no significant errors. Demonstrates an attempted critical approach to the issues. Demonstrates reasonably sound research and analysis in addressing the key issues. Has a clear structure and reasonably clear expression.
Pass	50 - 64	Identifies the key issues, but does not follow through with a reasoned argument. Contains some significant errors. Displays satisfactory engagement with the key issues. Offers a descriptive summary of material relevant to the question. Superficial use of material, and may display a tendency to paraphrase. Demonstrates little evidence of in-depth research or analysis. Adequate expression. Overall, demonstrates the minimum level of competence in the assessment and satisfies the requirements to proceed to higher-level studies in the degree or subject area.
Fail	0 - 49	Does not answer the question. Contains significant or numerous errors. Few or no identifiable arguments. Content that is inappropriate or irrelevant. Lack of research or analysis. Difficult or impossible to understand through poor grammar, expression or structure. Overall, does not demonstrate the minimum level of competence in the assessment.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The late submission of a piece of assessment, without an approved extension, will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment per 24 hours or part thereof, after the due time on the due date. Penalties for late submission will be applied strictly, subject to a 5 minute grace period.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	China’s historical engagement with international law	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 02	Nature and sources of international law	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 03	Treaty in domestic law	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 04	Taiwan	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 05	Territorial disputes	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 07	Law of the sea	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 08	Jurisdiction and extradition	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 10	Human rights	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 11	Peaceful settlement of disputes	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 12	Hong Kong and one country two systems; Completion of the student feedback survey for this unit of study	Seminar (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: All students are required to attend 70% of classes to satisfy the pass requirements for this unit. Failure to meet this requirement will result in an Absent Fail grade being recorded as the student’s result for this unit (see The University of Sydney Law School Resolutions: Coursework Awards cl 11).

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

There is no prescribed textbook for the course. Reading materials are available through download links that are provided on the unit’s Canvas page.

At present, there are relatively few texts in this area. However, there is a substantial amount of literature and material available on the internet and in the library. Students who wish to prepare for the course should, in addition to reading the prescribed materials, read generally about China and recent Chinese history, particularly in relation to developments in Chinese law and Chinese foreign policy. Some books and materials may be available through the University of Sydney Library Closed Reserve for this subject. They include hard copies of books and electronic sources.

Important sources of information relevant to this unit include:

Primary Sources on International Law

Primary sources on Chinese Law and Policy

Westlaw China provides a comprehensive collection of Chinese laws in both Chinese and English
PRC National People’s Congress
PRC State Council
PRC Supreme People’s Court
China International Commercial Court
PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs
PRC Ministry of Commerce
Chinese Government White Papers
China Legal Information Centre
US Congressional Executive Committee on China
China Law Translate, including unofficial but often timely translations of Chinese legal documents.

Useful Databases and Websites

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. demonstrate a broad understanding of Chinese practice and perspectives on international law, and their impact on the development of international law and institutions
LO2. analyse and assess both the immediate and long-term challenges posed by a rising China to the rule-based world order
LO3. analyse and assess the interrelationship between China’s international legal behaviour and its domestic law and politics
LO4. demonstrate a broad understanding of the role of international law in the social and economic reform and cultural transformation in modern China
LO5. carry out independent research in the area of international law and China.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Addition of Early Feedback Task.

Additional information

None.

Additional costs

None.

Site visit guidelines

Not applicable.

Work, health and safety

None.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

LAWS3516: International Law and China

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links