⚖️ Dispute resolution
Arbitration Law of China (1994) · Yalla China
中华人民共和国仲裁法 / Arbitration Law of China (1994)
Enacted: 1994-08-31 ✅ Effective: 1995-09-01
📝 Overview
Regulates commercial arbitration in China and allows foreign companies to choose international arbitration before CIETAC as an alternative to litigation in Chinese courts.
This is general information only, not legal advice. For your specific case, consult a licensed lawyer.
📜 The law text / key provisions
Arbitration Law (1994) allows: (1) arbitration for commercial contract disputes under a written arbitration agreement; (2) China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC): available in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, accepts international disputes with internationally enforceable awards under the New York Convention (1958); (3) arbitration sessions can be conducted in English. Drawbacks of arbitration: arbitration awards are usually final and non-appealable. Foreign companies prefer arbitration clauses in their Chinese contracts to avoid purely Chinese jurisdiction.
💬 Practical reading
💬 This is a general reading/opinion for orientation — not the official legal text nor legal advice.
Include a clear arbitration clause in all your commercial contracts in China, specifying the arbitration body (CIETAC), venue, and language.
📎 Official source
National People's Congress Standing Committee
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026