Successful Commercial Arbitration In China

First published in the Law Society Journal, September 2008

China's commercial arbitration system has matured over the past 20 years. It provides an avenue for foreign individuals and corporations to obtain resolution of commercial disputes.

While the use of enforcement proceedings in China can, at times, be slow and frustrating, it is possible to obtain recovery under judgments obtained from Chinese courts, successfully and cost-effectively.

China recognises that most disputes involving foreign parties will be dealt with by arbitration rather than litigation, and places importance on the Chinese court system's support of the arbitration process – to demonstrate that the rule of law exists for commercial parties, thereby encouraging trade and investment.