On September 12, Chinese lawmakers of the 17th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress voted to adopt the newly revised Arbitration Law of the People’s Republic of China, which will take effect on March 1, 2026.

The revised law, comprising 96 articles in eight chapters, aims to refine the legal framework of arbitration with Chinese characteristics, making it more compatible with international rules, enhancing the credibility and international competitiveness of Chinese arbitration, and thus promoting high-quality development and high-level opening up.

The newly revised law stipulates that arbitration proceedings can be conducted online unless the parties explicitly object. Online arbitration proceedings possess the same legal effect as the offline arbitration proceedings. It also encourages arbitration institutions to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with overseas arbitration institutions and relevant international organizations, and to actively participate in the formulation of international arbitration rules.

To meet the evolving needs of arbitration practice and strengthen China’s position as an increasing attractive and competitive venue for international commercial arbitration, the revised law explicitly supports Chinese arbitration institutions in establishing branches outside China to conduct arbitration activities. Foreign arbitration institutions can set up branches in pilot free trade zones approved by the State Council, the Hainan Free Trade Port, and other designated areas in accordance with relevant regulations, and conduct foreign-related arbitration activities.

Furthermore, the revised law also introduces improvements to mechanisms concerning foreign-related arbitration, arbitration supervision, and judicial support for arbitration.

( Source: www.news.cn）