China's International Commercial Court(CICC) is enhancing judicial services for foreign businesses, as part of the country's efforts to bolstering foreign investors' confidence.
In a landmark move in 2018, the Supreme People's Court established two national-level international commercial courts, namely the CICC, located in Shenzhen City of south China's Guangdong Province and Xi'an City of northwest China's Shaanxi Province.
"The CICC has played a crucial role in providing robust judicial support and ensuring a law-based business environment for the Belt and Road construction. By offering fair, efficient, convenient, and cost-effective dispute resolution services, the CICC has facilitated the smooth functioning of the supply and industrial chains associated with the Belt and Road Initiative, including the resolution of infrastructure-related disputes," said Shen Hongyu, chief judge of the Fourth Civil Division of Supreme People's Court and the person-in-charge of the Second International Commercial Court.
Over the past six years, the CICC has handled high-profile cases involving parties from 16 countries, with the total value of disputes exceeding 1.3 billion U.S. dollars. Furthermore, twelve intermediate people's courts across China have established local international commercial courts, each with its own distinctive strengths.
"The cases the CICC handles and the rules it establishes provide valuable references and guidance for other levels of courts dealing with foreign-related cases," said Liu Zheng, the person-in-charge of the First International Commercial Court.
The CICC also features a pioneering International Commercial Expert Committee, with experts from 24 countries and regions to assist with mediation, clarify foreign laws, and contribute to research regarding judicial interpretations.
In addition to litigation, a comprehensive one-stop platform has been developed to offer diverse and accessible dispute resolution services. This platform now includes ten international arbitration institutions and two mediation institutions.
"The CICC directly provides judicial guarantees, including validating arbitration agreements and enforcing judgments, enhancing the reasonable expectations of both Chinese and foreign parties involved in disputes," said Huang Guoyong, secretary-general of the Shenzhen International Arbitration Court.
China is also investing in developing a well-trained foreign-related judicial team through its reforms. This initiative brings the advancements of the Chinese justice system from local courtrooms to UN tribunals and international legal organizations, earning praise in international civil and commercial exchanges.
"Judges handling foreign-related cases must navigate through diverse backgrounds, cultures, and nationalities. This not only requires expertise in domestic laws, international laws, international treaties and conventions, but also requires proficiency in English, and a professional mindset. By gaining the trust of the involved parties, these judges can seek optimal and fair solutions," said Shen.
Chinese courts have increasingly applied international treaties in their judgments, with 36 cases now included in the UN's legal database. To address cross-border legal challenges, 35 of the bilateral judicial assistance treaties between China and other countries encompass the recognition and enforcement of civil and commercial judgments.
Over the past decade, Chinese courts have concluded over 8,000 cases seeking recognition and enforcement of civil and commercial judgments from foreign courts. The growing recognition and enforcement of Chinese court judgments by foreign countries underscore the increasing international credibility of China's judicial system.
China's Int'l Commercial Court enhances judicial services for foreign businesses
