The year 2024 is an extraordinary year for deepening the reform of the arbitration system and advancing the high-quality development of arbitration. China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC) set a high benchmark in establishing a world-class arbitration institution, and proactively integrating into the new development pattern. CIETAC has been upholding the independence and impartiality of arbitration, enhancing the credibility of Chinese arbitration, and has written a new chapter for the development of arbitration during advancing Chinese-style modernization. 

I.2024 Work Report

1. Upheld independence, impartiality and efficiency in arbitration, and promoted high-quality development of arbitration to a new level.

(1) New records were made in arbitration cases. A total of 6,013 new cases were accepted with a year-on-year increase of 14.82%. The total amount in dispute reached RMB 188.96 billion yuan with a year-on-year increase of 25.12%, surpassing RMB 100 billion yuan for the seventh consecutive year. 758 foreign-related cases were accepted (a year-on-year increase of 17.52%) with a total disputed amount of RMB 81.125 billion yuan (a year-on-year increase of 53.75%), and the average disputed amount per case reaching RMB 107 million yuan. There were 5,255 domestic cases (a year-on-year increase of 14.44%), and the total disputed amount thereof was RMB 107.835 billion yuan (a year-on-year increase of 9.75%). There were 234 cases with a disputed amount exceeding RMB 100 million yuan (a year-on-year increase of 11.96%), including 21 cases with a disputed amount over RMB 1 billion yuan. Cases in process totaled 4,806 (a year-on-year increase of 26.17%) and 4,988 cases were concluded (a year-on-year increase of 6.54%). 111 domain name cases were accepted, with 103 concluded. The above figures experienced growth in both the number and the amount in dispute of cases. Showing continuous increase of significant and complex cases involving large disputed amount. Reflecting CIETAC's further enhanced competitiveness and attractiveness.

(2) The cases continued to be more international in nature. Firstly, the geographical coverage of cases has further expanded. In 2024, the cases involved 93 countries and regions (a year-on-year increase of 5), of which parties were from 77 countries and regions (a year-on-year increase of 6). The top ten most frequently involved countries and regions in foreign-related cases were, respectively, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) (China), the United States of America, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Italy, Germany, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Russia. Since its establishment, CIETAC has handled cases from 166 countries and regions. Secondly, the internationalization factors have been significantly enhanced. There were 74 international cases where both parties were non-Chinese, representing a year-on-year increase of 19.35%. There were 1,734 cases involving at least one “foreign-invested enterprises”, with a total disputed amount of RMB 74.7 billion yuan. Overall, 41% of the cases accepted in 2024 shown significant international factors. A total of 106 cases adopted English or both English and Chinese as the language(s) of arbitration. In 38 cases, parties agreed on governing laws including U.S. law, Delaware law, English law, English and Welsh law, German law, Brazilian law, Hong Kong SAR law, Thai law, Saudi Arabian law, Cambodian law, Cayman Islands law, and Chadian law. Among these, 6 cases chose English law, 3 chose U.S. law, and 15 cases applied the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG), the Incoterms 2000 and Incoterms 2010 rules. For 141 times foreign arbitrators from Hong Kong SAR (China), Taiwan (China), the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Singapore, South Korea, and other countries participated in the arbitration of 126 cases. Thirdly, the service capacity for the "Belt and Road" Initiative continuously improved. In 2024, CIETAC accepted 377 cases involving the “Belt and Road” countries, with a total disputed amount of RMB 39.824 billion yuan, and the average amount in dispute per case was RMB 106 million yuan. The parties came from 56 countries and regions. Since the launch of the “Belt and Road” Initiative, CIETAC has accepted 3,389 Belt and Road-related cases, with a total disputed amount of RMB 198.325 billion yuan, including 25 cases with disputed amount exceeding RMB 1 billion yuan. The parties involved came from 108 countries and regions, the cases covered a wide range of disputes in the areas of investment in significant “Belt and Road” projects, economic and trade cooperation, overseas construction, cross-border investment and financing, etc. CIETAC has accumulated rich experience in handling such disputes, providing legal support for the high-quality development of the “Belt and Road” construction. To ensure the deeper implementation of the “Belt and Road” Initiative, CIETAC led a joint effort with 40 domestic and international member organizations to launch the “Cooperation Mechanism on Foreign Law Ascertainment of Belt and Road Arbitration Institutions ,” which was selected as a typical case of “Innovation in Rule of Law Protection” in the second session of the Enterprise Rule of Law Construction Innovation Achievement.

These statistics demonstrate that CIETAC has become the preferred institution for parties in foreign-related disputes, and its capacity to serve global parties has been further enhanced.

(3) The types of disputes covered a wide range of sectors. Primary types of disputes involved 11 categories and more than 70 subcategories, which covered construction projects and real estate, sale of goods, finance, corporate/enterprise governance, service contracts, leasing, entrustment contracts, intellectual property rights, cultural/entertainment industries, environmental protection and low carbon issues, etc. Notably, cases in sectors such as PPP, construction projects, international trade, electromechanical equipment, natural resources, bond issuance/subscription, private equity funds, equity investment and repurchase, and service contracts, accounted for a significant proportion. There has been a notable increase in cases in high-demand sectors such as finance, construction projects and service contracts.

Notably, emerging industries and new business models have given rise to a variety of new types of cases:

a. Financial disputes have shown clear trends of increasing complexity  with a long chain of transaction and internationalization. Legal relationships in over-the-counter transactions involving financial derivatives like “snowball” products became more intricate, and thus properly resolving investment and financing disputes led the arbitration practices.

b. In the context of the digital economy, disputes involving cross-border e-commerce and online services have increased. Intellectual property rights disputes, such as software licensing and technology transfer between global technology giants and high-tech enterprises, often involved cutting-edge technical and legal challenges. Arbitration has provided robust support and legal protection for technological innovation.

c. Disputes in the new energy vehicle industry surged, including cases related to trading of carbon emission rights, carbon asset certificate, production capacity quota transfers, and Clean Development Mechanism project collaborations, reflecting the growing trend of green and sustainable development.

In addition, corporate governance cases have frequently involved disputes over anti-commercial bribery clauses, highlighting the growing importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles. Emerging legal services disputes, such as those related to the performance of third-party funding agreements, have also entered the spotlight, drawing attention to the new dynamics in international arbitration.

(4) The “Two-Region” interim measures offered unique advantages. CIETAC is one of the first eligible arbitration institutions under the “Arrangement Concerning Mutual Assistance in Court-ordered Interim Measures in Aid of Arbitral Proceedings by the Courts of the Mainland and of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ”, CIETAC Hong Kong Arbitration Center has submitted numerous applications for interim measure to people’s courts in multiple jurisdictions of the Mainland, including Beijing, Guangdong, Sichuan, and Guangxi. The parties involved came from jurisdictions such as the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong SAR (China), Israel, the British Virgin Islands, Canada, and the United States of America. The average preservation amount per case reached RMB 29.49 million yuan, and all preservation applications were ruled for full preservation by Mainland courts.

(5) The arbitral awards were widely recognized and enforced worldwide. In 2024, CIETAC arbitral awards were fully enforced in foreign courts such as the United States of America, Canada, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, South Africa, Argentina, and Vietnam, and were also enforced overseas in the courts of Hong Kong SAR (China) and Macao SAR (China), etc. An award with an enforcement amount of RMB 240 million yuan was successfully recognized and enforced in Saudi Arabia after withstanding the strict scrutiny of the Islamic Shariah, setting a record for the highest amount of a Chinese arbitral award enforced by Saudi courts. An award with an enforcement amount of RMB 1.2 billion yuan was recognized and enforced in Canada, marking the highest enforcement amount for a Chinese arbitral award overseas, further enhancing the credibility of China’s arbitration.

In addition, to assist parties in enforcing arbitral awards overseas, CIETAC provided supporting services in accordance with the legal requirements of places of enforcement such as Nigeria and Indonesia, including issuing certificates for validation and authenticity of the awards, certificates of proof of service of arbitral documents, and documents for the registration of enforcement applications, effectively responding to the practical needs of the parties.

2. Taking advantage of the implementation of new rules to accelerate innovation in international arbitration practices.

The 2024 CIETAC Arbitration Rules (the new Rules) were implemented and have garnered widespread attention and high praise from the arbitration community both domestically and internationally. The new Rules won the “Demonstration Cases: China Service”  award at the China International Fair for Trade in Services  and has been highly praised for its innovative, leading, and advanced features. To better serve global parties, the new Rules are available in eight languages: English, French, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Japanese, and Korean, covering the world’s major languages and making it easier for parties from different countries to apply.

The new Rules  reflect the best practices in arbitration.  The procedural design of the new Rules demonstrates significant practical value in arbitration practice. The new Rules clarify the effect of pre-arbitration procedures on the parties’ right to initiate arbitration and regulate its scope of application, ensuring that parties can timely exercise their rights to initiate arbitration. The new Rules also expand the scope for multiple contracts arbitration, with the number of such cases increasing by 71.85% year-on-year. A total of 1,557 new multiple contracts cases were accepted, along with 30 consolidated arbitration cases, 10 cases involving adding contracts, and 1,045 cases involving multiple parties, further enhancing the flexibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in arbitration procedure. The early dismissal procedures and third-party funding introduced in the new Rules have been applied in several cases, contributing to more efficient and fair arbitration, which has enhanced the competitiveness, attractiveness, and internationalization of the new Rules. The procedures such as applying for overseas court interim measures, initiating emergency arbitrator procedures, and taking interim measures, have become valuable tools for protecting the rights of parties. The application of the CIETAC Guidelines on Evidence  in arbitration procedures highlights the principle of fairness and equal treatment for parties from different legal jurisdictions. The new Rules provides institutional support and full protection for the fairness and impartiality of the arbitration procedures.

The new Rules fully respect the parties’ autonomy to nominate arbitrators. The new Rules enriches the methods in which the presiding/sole arbitrator is nominated/appointed, resulting in a significant increase in the number of cases of nominating/appointing the presiding/sole arbitrator in which the methods of “joint nomination by the parties”, “agreement by the parties for the arbitrators to jointly nominate the presiding arbitrator”, “party-recommended list” and “the recommendation list of the Chairman of CIETAC” were adopted. With full guarantees of the procedural rights of the parties, 4,958 tribunals were formed throughout the year, 8,498 appointments/nominations of arbitrators were made. 1,996 appointments/nominations were made to 215 female arbitrators, and in 39 cases, the parties agreed to nominate arbitrators outside the Panel of Arbitrators, which indicated an increase in the autonomy and transparency of the parties’ nomination of arbitrators. In addition, based on the provisions of the new Rules on the principle of fairness in determining formation of the arbitral tribunal, the Chairman of CIETAC determined the methods of forming the arbitral tribunals according to the principle of fairness in 4 cases due to the significantly unfair or unjust formation methods agreed upon by the parties in practice, ensuring the fairness and legitimacy of the procedures.

The new Rules promote the efficiency, flexibility and quality of the procedure management. The new Rules prioritize electronic means of delivery of arbitration documents. In practice, more and more rational parties tend to adopt the electronic means of delivery of arbitration documents, which enhances the accuracy, convenience and security of the delivery. In line with the new Rules, the “Notice on Actively Advocating the Flexible Use of Hearing Methods” was issued, encouraging the arbitration tribunals to apply professional techniques such as procedural orders, questionnaires, schedules, scope of hearing documents, pre-hearing meetings, and Redfern Schedules to hear cases. Efforts were made in promoting the hearing methods of civil law system and common law system as well as the integrated hearing methods, and adopting methods such as having witnesses or expert witnesses from abroad appear in trial for questioning or cross-examination, to improve the quality and efficiency of case hearings, enhance the transparency and predictability of the arbitration procedures, and better satisfy the diverse needs of hearing methods. To ensure the efficient advancement of the arbitration procedures, based on the needs of the hearings, 5,888 hearings were held throughout the year, over 300,000 procedural notices in Chinese and English were issued, 61 jurisdictional decisions were rendered 45 decisions on the challenge of arbitrators were made, 9 expert meetings were held for nearly 40 complex cases, effectively ensuring the flexible and efficient advancement of the case procedures.

3. Continuously strengthened institutional construction and promoted administrative capacity and efficiency to a new level.

(1) Comprehensively strengthened the building of the “two teams”.

First, highlighting the arbitral tribunal’s responsibilities, CIETAC strengthened the accountability system of the arbitral tribunals, improved the regular supervision and management system, intensified daily verification, and implemented strict disclosure system and regulations on conflicts of interest of arbitrators, thereby forming an objective and rigorous supervision system and mutual evaluation restriction mechanism. Disciplinary measures such as reminder, warning, and reduction of remuneration were adopted for the improper situations of individual arbitrators in handling cases, such as procedural delays, and failure to accurately inquire about conflicts of interest, so as to form a strong and effective supervision mechanism to ensure clean and fair handling of cases. Second, efforts have been made to strengthen institutional construction. The Guidelines on Procedures for the Appointment of Arbitrators and other normative documents were revised, the appraisal and audit procedures were further standardized, and management systems such as the system on the payment of arbitrators’ remuneration were improved. Third, professional capacity building was strengthened. More than 10 special training sessions were held for arbitrators, case managers, scrutinizers and new employees on key and difficult procedural issues as well as cutting-edge issues such as the new company law, evidence identification and damages, which strengthened the awareness of responsibility and risk prevention, and enhanced the specialization and professionalism of arbitrators and case managers.

(2) Accelerated the process of digital construction.

a. The construction of the one-stop online intelligent dispute resolution service system was completed, opening up functional platforms such as online filing, electronic evidence exchange, arbitrator hub, case management system, and CIETAC APP, and thus realizing paperless office work and case management. Online case filing throughout the year, 2,998 cases were filed online, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 66.2% and accounting for half of the total number of cases being filed. 1,766 online hearings were conducted, representing nearly one-third of the total hearings. Virtual hearings facilitated parties from 36 countries and regions throughout the year. In 316 cases, both parties and the arbitral tribunal used the CIETAC electronic exchange platform for electronic means of delivery, further satisfying the needs of the parties for efficiency, facilitation and cost-effectiveness.

b. The official website of CIETAC was fully updated and optimized so as to provide one-stop fast service experience for the parties. CIETAC has realized full file scanning and intelligent identification of arbitration documents, and more than 30 functions such as related case identification were developed. The integrated financial management system was launched and the online processing of financial reimbursement was gradually promoted. CIETAC accelerated the application of artificial intelligence in arbitration, and continues to accumulate new momentum for high-quality arbitration services.

4. Implemented multiple measures to serve the overall situation, and achieved positive results in promoting high-quality development.

(1) Committed to the construction of international commercial arbitration center. CIETAC gave full play to its professional and platform advantages, supported the construction of international commercial arbitration centers in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hainan and other places, providing professional opinions and suggestions for the relevant departments to formulate construction regulations. CIETAC also serves as the vice chairman of the Beijing International Dispute Resolution Center , and has been appointed by the Ministry of Justice as a member of the Expert Committee on the Construction of the International Commercial Arbitration Center , promoting the establishment of new heights for international dispute resolution services. CIETAC is committed to serving the national strategy of comprehensively promoting the rule of law, further promoting the opening-up, and coordinating the promotion of domestic and foreign-related rule of law.

(2) Promoted the development of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. CIETAC assisted the Supreme People’s Court (SPC) to complete the construction of the “one-stop” diversified international commercial dispute resolution platform , and realized the function of a “one-stop” platform that seamlessly connects litigation and arbitration. As a Chinese ODR service provider officially recognized by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) for its online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism, CIETAC has actively participated in the co-construction and promotion of relevant mechanisms, and have achieved positive results in exploring the provision of fast and low-cost ODR services for cross-border small commercial disputes between enterprises (B2B).

(3) Promoted the construction of a first-class business environment. By leveraging the joint efforts of its headquarters and sub-commissions, through activities such as “walking into the enterprise, into the industries, into the law firms, and into the campuses”, CIETAC successfully held more than 150 seminars and training sessions focusing on frontier trends and leading industry development, such as the “CIETAC Live”. CIETAC signed cooperation agreements with intellectual property and other industry associations, conducted over 100 research and discussions with major enterprises, industry associations and other institutions across the country, CIETAC has visited and received more than 200 legal and commercial organizations and professional institutions. In addition, CIETAC also set up exhibition booths at the China International Import Expo, the China International Fair for Trade in Services, and the China International Supply Chain Expo, providing full-chain, one-stop, internationalized commercial legal services to the total audience exceeds 10 million people, continuously enhancing enterprises’ ability of preventing and resolving risks, and promoting the construction of a first-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized.

(4) Contributed to the construction of a powerful country in intellectual property rights. Relying on CIETAC Intellectual Property Arbitration Center , CIETAC successfully held the annual Intellectual Property Dispute Resolution Forum , CIETAC released the first groundbreaking serial report focusing on intellectual property arbitration in China, i.e. the Annual Report on International Arbitration of Intellectual Property Rights in China, and actively promoted the development of research and practice on intellectual property dispute resolution.

5. Deeply participated in global governance and made new contributions to foreign-related rule of law construction.

(1) Widely engaged in international communication and cooperation.

a. CIETAC adhered to high standards in “going global”. Throughout the year, CIETAC visited 23 key countries and regions around the world, including the United States, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and organized nearly 100 professional serial activities of high-standard. More than 10 high-level international arbitration seminars were jointly held overseas with the German Institution of Arbitration , the Swiss Arbitration Centre  , the American Arbitration Association , the Singapore International Arbitration Centre  , the Indonesian Academy of Independent Mediators and Arbitrators , and CAM Santiago , which were widely reported by the China Media Group , the People’s Daily , the China News  and other media, further enhancing the international influence of CIETAC.

b. International cooperation has yielded fruitful results. CIETAC signed or renewed cooperation agreements with 16 internationally renowned dispute resolution institutions, key universities and research institutes, including the International Centre for Dispute Resolution of American Arbitration Association  , the Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce , the German Institution of Arbitration , the Swiss Arbitration Centre , the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration , the Korean Commercial Arbitration Board   INTERNATIONAL, the Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration, the Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration  , the New Zealand International Arbitration Centre , the City University of Hong Kong  and other institutions, and achieved pragmatic cooperation results. As of December 2024, CIETAC has signed a total of 90 cooperation agreements with international arbitration institutions and organizations.

c. Further expanded the international circle of friends. CIETAC was invited to attend nearly 20 major international dispute resolution events such as the International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA)  General Assembly, the International Federation of Commercial Arbitration Institutions  (IFCAI) General Assembly, the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property World Congress , the International Trademark Association Annual Meeting , the APEC Economic Committee Online Dispute Resolution Seminar , and the 2nd World Mediation Summit , etc. CIETAC has also received visits from nearly 30 international organizations or institutions, including the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes  , the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration, and delegation from the Supreme Court of Brunei , to jointly promote the development of international rule of law.

(2) Establishing new platforms for regional legal cooperation 

a. CIETAC successfully hosted the China-Middle East and North Africa Arbitration Summit, spearheading the joint release of the International Arbitration Cooperation Initiative (2024) with 30 regionally representative and influential international arbitration institutions primarily from the Middle East and North Africa, leading the construction of an inclusive and open international arbitration ecosystem, and taking a solid step forward in the construction of a new global destination for international arbitration..

b. The role of CIETAC ASEAN Oral Hearing Center and Central Asian Oral Hearing Center  has become increasingly prominent. In 2024, the first case in which the arbitration clause stipulated to held the oral hearing at CIETAC ASEAN Oral Hearing Center was successfully heard, while three other cases were heard at the Central Asia Oral Hearing Center. These developments effectively addressed the dispute resolution needs of the parties, contributed to the creation of a first-class business environment characterized by market orientation, rule of law, and internationalization, and achieved new results in serving regional legal construction and the high-quality joint construction of the “Belt and Road”.

(3) The impact of CIETAC signature events continued to be demonstrated.

a. CIETAC successfully organized the 12th China Arbitration Week series of events. 102 events were held across 43 cities in 10 countries and regions, including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Macao, London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and Ho Chi Minh City. The events saw active participation from 414 domestic and international organizations, including the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), the International Law Commission of the United Nations, and the International Federation of Commercial Arbitration Institutions.  

Key highlights included the China Arbitration Summit and China-Middle East and North Africa Arbitration Summit, the Rule of Law and Opening-up Forum-the Parallel Forum of Global Business and Law Conference 2024, the press conference of the Annual Report on International Commercial Arbitration in China (2023-2024) and the Selected Cases Regarding Cross-Jurisdictional Recognition and Enforcement of CIETAC Awards, the Tang Lecture, the Arbitration Night, the China-MENA Arbitration Institutions Dialogue, China Youth Arbitration Forum, BRICS Arbitration Forum.

The 2024 series was the largest, most international, and most thematically diverse in history, earning recognition as one of the most influential signature events in the international arbitration community.

b. CIETAC successfully held the 2024 China Arbitration Summit. The theme was “International Arbitration Transcending Eras”. The Summit brought together 35 experts from 17 countries and regions to engage in in-depth discussions on topics such as building a global arbitration community with shared vision, mapping new development of international arbitration amidst global transformations, and embracing new trend of the intelligent of connectivity of everything. 

The event attracted over 500 in-person participants from 47 countries and regions, including nearly 120 international guests, and reached an audience of more than 5.03 million across 105 countries through various channels. With its growing international influence, the Summit has solidified its position as the premier event in the global arbitration and legal community.

c. CIETAC successfully held the 2024 CIIAF Annual Conference. The Conference focused on the reform of investor-state dispute settlement mechanisms and the cutting-edge issues in international investment law. The Annual Report of China International Investment Arbitration Forum (2022-2023) was released, showcasing the latest research and developments of international investment law and international investment arbitration in China. 

The Forum also featured the Outstanding Paper Competition for Youth, fostering the leadership in investment law talent development, strengthening collaboration among government, industry, and academia, and promoting the integration of education and practice.

(4) Actively engaged in global arbitration governance.

a. CIETAC successfully hosted the first intersessional meeting of UNCITRAL in the Chinese mainland, discussing major issues regarding the reform of international investment dispute resolution. This marked a significant step in enhancing the role of China in international arbitration affairs and earned widespread recognition from all communities.

b. As the invited observer of UNCITRAL, CIETAC participated in seven meetings of working groups on arbitration and mediation, investment dispute resolution, e-commerce, and other rule-making sessions. CIETAC released professional observation reports, contributing China’s insights and experience, thereby enhancing its participation and influence in the formulation of international rules.

c. At the 26th International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA) Congress, known as the “Olympics of International Arbitration”, CIETAC was elected by the organizing committee as the sole representative from Chinese mainland to deliver a speech, giving a voice to mainland and Chinese arbitration communities. During the Congress, CIETAC also hosted the 2nd CIETAC Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Dispute Resolution Summit, which became the largest parallel session at the ICCA Congress.

d. As the current rotating chair institution of Asia Domain Name Dispute Resolution Centre, CIETAC co-hosted the DNDR Practice Development Workshop and the Annual Conference, actively engaging in international internet governance.

(5) Promoted Cross-Strait arbitration communication and cooperation

a. CIETAC has deepened arbitration communication and cooperation between the two sides across the Strait. In collaboration with the Chinese Arbitration Association, Taipei, CIETAC successfully held the series events of 19th Cross-Strait Economic and Trade Arbitration Seminar in Ningbo, further strengthening the bond of legal exchange and cooperation between the two sides, and promoting the prosperity and development of cross-strait economic and trade relations.  

b. CIETAC has explored new initiatives to serve the Cross-Strait Integration and Development Demonstration Zone, creating a series of signature events such as the Maritime Silk Road Legal Forum and the Cross-Strait Arbitration Legal Forum, and actively contributed to the construction of the Maritime Silk Road Central Legal District.

6. Accelerated legal talent training, created a new horizon in promoting the think tank construction.

(1) Continuous expansion of talent development achievements

a. CIETAC successfully held the 22nd CIETAC Cup International Commercial Arbitration Moot, with over 1,000 participants from 101 teams representing the UK, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Russia, Hong Kong SAR (China), Macao SAR (China), and other regions. More than 250 experts from 35 countries and regions served as judges. CIETAC also organized 9 sessions of the “Voice of Moot” Training Series. The number of participating teams, the scale of the competition, and the internationalization of the CIETAC Cup reached new heights, further enhancing the influence of the competition. 

CIETAC has sponsored the champion and the runner-up of the 21st CIETAC Cup to participate in the international competitions respectively in Vienna, Austria, and Hong Kong SAR (China), sending representatives to serve as judges, providing strong support for more young students to step onto the international arbitration stage. Since its inception in 2000, CIETAC Cup has attracted over 20,000 young students from more than 200 universities worldwide. It has helped engaged tens of thousands of students from law schools every year, raising students’ awareness and understanding of international commercial arbitration, and cultivating a substantial pool of foreign-related legal talents for the development of arbitration.

CIETAC also successfully hosted the 5th CIETAC Cup International Investment Arbitration Moot, conducting 55 sessions of moot international investment arbitration hearings. The competition involved 33 teams from 27 countries and regions, with over 120 arbitrators participating. It has become a benchmark event in the field of international investment arbitration, focusing on cultivating future talents for international investment arbitration.

b. CIETAC has deepened the implementation of collaboration for cultivating foreign-related legal talents. CIETAC jointly established 7 innovative bases for the collaborative cultivation of foreign-related rule of law talents and the cooperative cultivation work with 36 renowned colleges and universities at home and abroad. CIETAC has partnered with universities such as Renmin University of China, China University of Political Science and Law, University of International Business and Economics, and Xi’an Jiaotong University to offer courses on international arbitration theory and practice, with CIETAC experts serving as practical mentors to train high-quality, practical foreign-related legal professionals. 

Additionally, CIETAC implemented the mainland internship programs for overseas students organized by the Ministry of Justice and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, receiving interns from the International Youth Legal Exchange Association, the University of Hong Kong and other institutions, and arranging systematic teaching for them. CIETAC also gave a lecture to the first co-training course of arbitrators and judicial review judges organized by the Supreme People’s Court and the Ministry of Justice, offering simulated arbitration hearings for the participants, which promoted the further strengthening of the consensus and collaborative development between arbitration and the judiciary.

(2) Solid progress in building applied think tanks.

a. CIETAC has organized internal and external expert seminars focusing on the revision of the Arbitration Law. During six rounds of public consultations, nearly 60,000 words of professional revising opinions and suggestions were submitted, promoting the improvement of a more internationally aligned arbitration system and a Chinese arbitration legal framework better suited to domestic practices. In addition, suggestions for the revision of four legal areas—maritime law, foreign trade law, customs law, and the private economy promotion law—were submitted, along with research and responding suggestions on 11 proposals and recommendations from the representatives of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference were provided.

b. CIETAC published seven professional works, including the Annual Report on International Commercial Arbitration in China (2023-2024), Selected Cases Regarding Cross-Jurisdictional Recognition and Enforcement of CIETAC Awards, Casebook on Financial Arbitration, and the Selection of Arbitration Cases Involving the Belt and Road Countries (II), among others. CIETAC also continued to edit and publish the “Arbitration and Law”, producing high-quality intellectual outputs. These publications summarize the current state and experience of international commercial arbitration development in China, providing practical references for enterprises to prevent and resolve legal risks.

II. 2025 Work Plan

The year 2025 is the concluding year of the 14th Five Year Plan. In the new era and on the new journey, arbitration is not only an effective means of resolving commercial disputes but also carries the important mission of coordinating domestic rule of law and foreign-related rule of law, as well as participating in international governance.  

CIETAC will thoroughly implement the new development philosophy, actively integrate into and serve the new development pattern, and advance both domestic and foreign-related rule of law. It will contribute to expanding high-level opening-up, comprehensively deepening reform and innovation, and work towards becoming a world-class arbitration institution with a more improved system, more precise management, and more thoughtful services. CIETAC will uphold independence, impartiality, and efficiency, and vigorously promote the digitalization, intelligence and informatization of arbitration. CIETAC will provide high-standard, high-level, and international arbitration services, continuously enhancing the credibility of arbitration, and show new accomplishments and responsibilities from this new starting point.

1. Establishing a benchmark for world-class arbitration institution, strengthening new advantages for high-quality development.

CIETAC will continue to leverage its strengths in supporting China’s construction of international commercial arbitration center, advancing the construction of a modernized arbitration institution with Chinese characteristics. It will proactively align with high-standard international arbitration rules, explore and pilot leading institutional designs, and focus on refined case management to further enhance efficiency and quality, maintaining a leading position in arbitration services.

CIETAC will vigorously promote the digital and intelligent development, deeply exploring and researching the application of artificial intelligence in arbitration, so as to accumulate new kinetic energy for development. CIETAC will strengthen the administration of the arbitration team, adhere to a strict approach and effectively implement a responsibility system for arbitration panels. The focus will be on improving the professional skills and competence of arbitrators, training professional case managers, and offering various specialized training programs to ensure the fair and just handling of cases in accordance with the law.  

2. Serving and integrating into the new development pattern, helping to provide solid guarantee of the rule of law.

CIETAC will actively serve and integrate into high-level opening-up, focusing on promoting both international and domestic dual circulation. It will deepen its presence in key regions and markets, strengthen international multilateral and bilateral cooperation, and adopt a comprehensive approach to market expansion.  

CIETAC will enhance regional collaboration in areas such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Xiong’an New Area, and Hainan Free Trade Port, continue to organize the series of activities that arbitration “walks into the enterprise, into the industries, into the law firms, and into the campuses” . These efforts will focus on addressing business concerns, precisely aligning with the needs of global market players, and contributing to the creation of a world-class business environment.  

CIETAC will explore new drivers for arbitration development in the context of emerging productivity, closely monitoring key industries and new sectors, and continuously pave new directions for arbitration services.

3. Actively participating in global governance and solidly advancing the opening-up to a higher level.

CIETAC will uphold the principles of high-standard “going global” and high-quality “bringing in”, extensively engaging in international arbitration legal exchanges and cooperation, expanding the international arbitration network, and leading the creation of an international arbitration ecosystem.  

CIETAC will proactively participate in the formulation of international rules, actively taking part in international conferences organized by UNCITRAL, the International Federation of Commercial Arbitration Institutions, the Asia Pacific Regional Arbitration Group, and other global bodies. It will engage in governance within the Asia Domain Name Dispute Resolution Centre, deepen its involvement in international rule-making, and work to establish a Chinese discourse system for international rules, strengthening the role of China in international arbitration affairs.  

CIETAC will continue to successfully organize influential international brand events, including the China Arbitration Week and the China Arbitration Summit. It will advance the implementation of Beijing Joint Declaration of Belt and Road Arbitration Institutions and related cooperation mechanisms, contributing to the construction of the open world economy and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

4.  Giving full play to the talent training and think tank building, promoting the construction of foreign-related rule of law.

CIETAC will continue to host the CIETAC Cup International Commercial Arbitration Moot and the International Investment Arbitration Moot, further highlighting the advantages of the flagship events and improving the practical skills and international arbitration capabilities of young students.

CIETAC will focus on designing and organizing specialized courses around programs such as the International Arbitration Law Master’s Program, the Foreign-Related Lawyers Master’s Program, and the Ministry of Education’s Innovative Bases for the Collaborative Cultivation of Foreign-related Rule of Law Talents, laying a strong foundation for the development of foreign-related legal professionals.  

In response to the needs of foreign-related legal practice, CIETAC will organize targeted practical training sessions for enterprises and lawyers, aiming to enhance the professional level and practical skills of foreign-related arbitration practitioners. CIETAC will continue to stimulate research effectiveness by utilizing platforms such as the CIETAC International Arbitration Research Institute and the CIIAF, producing high-quality intellectual output through projects, e.g. the Annual Report on International Commercial Arbitration in China, so as to play a greater role as a practice-oriented think tank in innovation and reform.

With the wind at its back, soaring high in the boundless sky, looking down upon the mountains and rivers. In the new year, CIETAC will be more active, take up the responsibility, make real efforts to seize new opportunities in the development of international arbitration, ride the wave of reform and opening-up, and step forward with the heads up and forge ahead. CIETAC will fully commit to building an international first-class arbitration institution, vigorously taking new solid steps to promote modernization with Chinese characteristics, and writing a magnificent chapter for the development of arbitration career!