China advances international commercial dispute resolution

A seminar aimed at enhancing international commercial dispute resolution opened on Wednesday, as part of China's broader efforts to accelerate the development of foreign-related legal systems and capabilities while refining mechanisms for international mediation, arbitration, litigation and other dispute resolution channels.

Zhang Jun, president of China's Supreme People's Court, emphasized the critical role of "think tanks" in efficiently resolving international commercial cases and fostering mutual learning between Chinese and foreign legal systems at the Fifth Seminar of the International Commercial Expert Committee, organized by the SPC in Shanghai.

He commended the expert members for their professionalism, cross-cultural expertise and global perspectives, highlighting the importance of continuing to serve as a bridge for legal cooperation between China and other nations.

Zhang outlined the achievements and experiences of Chinese courts in handling international commercial cases, including the steadfast application of the principle of equal protection for both domestic and foreign litigants, the precise application of international conventions and the proactive use of technology to enhance case handling.

He noted that Chinese courts have effectively handled numerous foreign-related civil and commercial disputes, refining judicial interpretations to ensure consistent rulings and stable market expectations. Notably, 211 cases have been cited by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law and other global bodies, underscoring international recognition of China's judicial credibility.

Furthermore, Zhang highlighted that Chinese courts are advancing the development of digital courts in a coordinated manner, promoting the inclusive sharing of judicial knowledge and actively enhancing the intelligence of foreign-related legal services. Through innovative measures powered by smart technologies, they are striving to improve the quality and efficiency of dispute resolution.

During the seminar, legal experts from around the world engaged in lively discussions on pressing issues related to international commercial dispute resolution. Topics included improving the efficiency of case handling to support the stable development of global industrial and supply chains, innovations in mediation practices and the application of artificial intelligence in this sector.