Core Viewpoint - The newly revised Arbitration Law of the People's Republic of China, effective from March 1, 2026, significantly expands the scope of foreign-related arbitration and supports the internationalization of arbitration institutions, marking a major reform since the 1994 Arbitration Law [1][4]. Summary by Sections Arbitration Law Revision - The revised Arbitration Law includes 96 articles, an increase of 16 articles compared to the previous version, and aims to enhance the credibility and international competitiveness of China's arbitration system [4][6]. - The law supports the establishment of business institutions by Chinese arbitration organizations abroad and allows foreign arbitration institutions to set up in designated free trade zones [1][4]. Scope and Impact - The new law broadens the range of foreign-related arbitration cases, covering economic trade, transportation, maritime disputes, and other foreign-related issues, which is a significant expansion from the 1994 law [1][6]. - Data shows that in the past five years, Chinese arbitration institutions handled approximately 16,000 foreign-related arbitration cases with a total amount of about 730 billion yuan, indicating China's growing role as a preferred destination for international commercial arbitration [1][3]. Institutional Development - As of August 2025, there are 285 legally established arbitration committees in China, which have processed over 5 million arbitration cases involving more than 90 trillion yuan, serving various sectors including finance, e-commerce, and intellectual property [3][4]. - The revised law emphasizes the need for a governance structure within arbitration institutions and sets standards for the appointment and supervision of arbitrators [7]. Innovation and Technology - The new law introduces provisions for online arbitration, ensuring that online arbitration has the same legal effect as traditional arbitration, thus adapting to technological advancements [7]. - It also includes measures to prevent fraudulent arbitration and streamline the arbitration process, such as shortening the time frame for applying to revoke arbitration [7].

中华人民共和国仲裁法 （1994年8月31日第八届全国人民代表大会常务委员会第九次会议通过根据2009年8月27日第十一届全国人 民代表大会常务委员会第十次会议《关于修改部分法律的决定》第一次修正 根据2017年9月1日第十二届 全国人民代表大会常务委员会第二十九次会议《关于修改〈中华人民共和国法官法〉等八部法律的决定》 第二次修正 2025年9月12日第十四届全国人民代表大会常务委员会第十七次会议修订） 目录 第一章 总则 第一条 为了保证公正、及时仲裁经济纠纷，保护当事人的合法权益，保障社会主义市场经济健康发 展，制定本法。 第二条 仲裁事业的发展贯彻落实中国共产党和国家的路线方针政策、决策部署，服务国家高质量发 展和高水平对外开放，营造市场化、法治化、国际化营商环境，发挥化解经济纠纷的作用。 第三条 平等主体的自然人、法人、非法人组织之间发生的合同纠纷和其他财产权益纠纷，可以仲 裁。 下列纠纷不能仲裁： （一）婚姻、收养、监护、扶养、继承纠纷； （二）依法应当由行政机关处理的行政争议。 第一章 总则 第二章 仲裁机构、仲裁员和仲裁协会 第三章 仲裁协议 第四章 仲裁程序 第一节 申请和受理 第二节 仲裁 ...

Core Viewpoint - The revision of the Arbitration Law aims to enhance the online arbitration system, broaden the scope of special arbitration, and improve the supporting systems for arbitration, reflecting the need for adaptation to the evolving economic landscape and international commercial disputes [2][3]. Group 1: Legislative Process - The third draft of the Arbitration Law revision is scheduled for review during the 17th meeting of the 14th National People's Congress Standing Committee from September 8 to 12, 2023 [2]. - This revision marks a significant update after 30 years of the Arbitration Law's implementation, addressing issues such as the lack of foreign-related systems and inadequate regulatory frameworks [2]. Group 2: Public and Representative Feedback - During the public consultation for the second draft, 1,101 opinions were received from 284 individuals, indicating strong public engagement and the need for improvements in foreign-related arbitration and arbitration supervision [3]. - Suggestions from representatives included enhancing the legal framework for international commercial arbitration and improving arbitration supervision mechanisms [3][4]. Group 3: Supervision and Transparency - There is a call for clearer definitions of the scope of arbitration supervision, including the roles and responsibilities of judicial authorities and industry associations [4]. - The proposed revisions aim to establish a structured supervision process, ensuring that arbitration activities are conducted under strict legal oversight to enhance fairness and credibility [4].

Group 1 - As of now, there are 285 arbitration institutions in China and over 60,000 arbitrators, including more than 3,400 foreign arbitrators [1] - In 2024, 4,373 foreign-related arbitration cases are expected to be handled, with a foreign-related amount of 197.8 billion yuan, contributing positively to international economic and trade exchanges [1] - The development of arbitration services supports high-quality economic development and high-level opening up [1]