China's Int'l Commercial Court enhances judicial services for foreign businesses

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

As the Qingming Festival approaches this Friday, various traditional folk activities have been held across China, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the occasion.

With a 2,500-year history, Qingming Festival, or the Festival of Pure Brightness, observed in early April, uniquely combines ancestral worship with the celebration of spring. Falling on the 15th day after the spring equinox, this ritual-rich observance reflects China's enduring values of ancestral veneration and inspires deep introspection about what gives life meaning.

In Sijia Village, Huayin City, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, a unique swing festival is held to mark the occasion. Eighteen different types of traditional swings, such as the spinning wheel swing, the Bagua swing reminiscent of a rotating carousel, and the balance swing designed for two people, have attracted many visitors.

Historically, Sijia Village served as a military post guarding the strategic Tongguan pass, a former mountain pass and fortress located south of the confluence of the Wei and Yellow Rivers. The swing tradition in the village has its origins in military training exercises like climbing and river crossing. The local swing culture further developed as regional trade flourished, eventually evolving into the "swing festival" that continues today.

"It's very exciting and tests your skill, endurance, and most importantly, your arm strength. You need to maintain balance," said Qu Xiangyang, a visitor.

In Rudong County, Nantong City, east China's Jiangsu Province, another traditional Qingming activity takes place - kite flying.

Flying kites as a way of making wishes is an age-old Qingming custom in this region. As a result, the Qingming Festival in Nantong is also known as the "Kite Festival."

The local Banyao whistling kite making skills is listed as one of the first national intangible cultural heritage items.

According to a folk culture expert, people traditionally write the names of diseases or misfortunes on paper, attach it to a kite, and release it into the sky. This practice is believed to drive away illness and disaster, while also serving as a way to make wishes.

In south China's Guangdong Province, a large tug-of-war competition is underway in Maoming City. Teams from different towns and streets are competing, attracting many locals to cheer on their teams.

Tug-of-war, which originated during the late Spring and Autumn period (770 BC - 476 BC), became part of Qingming customs during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty once organized large-scale tug-of-war competitions for the festival.

"Tug-of-war became very popular in the Tang Dynasty, even emerging as the national sport. It originated in the Jingchu region and later spread across the country. In ancient Lingnan (Southern China), tug-of-war games were a common tradition. Through these events, people seek to pray for peace, prosperity, and abundant harvests," said Yao Guojun, vice dean of the College of Arts and Law, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology.

Traditional folk activities held for Qingming Festival