International Commercial Arbitration and Arbitration Reform in China

As Russia reconfigures its trade relations, the country is displaying increasing interest in China and Asian markets, which makes it crucial to search for new ways to resolve international commercial disputes. The experience of Russia’s key trading partner, China, is particularly interesting in this regard. In 2024, a bill on arbitration was submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China for consideration. The key goal of the draft law is to turn China into a new global centre for commercial arbitration. It vastly expands the scope of arbitration in the commercial sphere, introduces new types of disputes, such as investment arbitration and sports arbitration, and seeks to formalize the ability to conduct proceedings via online platforms. The reform affects the rules for the functioning of arbitration courts and the appointment of arbitrators and makes them more transparent. The changes will also impact the procedure for cancelling arbitration awards, interim measures, and numerous other aspects. In this regard, it is important to consider several key issues: what is the significance and role of commercial arbitration in China? What forums for resolving disputes between Chinese and Russian entrepreneurs are currently priorities? Will there be demand for Chinese arbitration institutions among Russian entrepreneurs? What is the outlook for China to become an international arbitration centre? How can the experience of arbitration reform in China be useful for Russia?