New Arbitration Rules in Mainland China
Reshaping the Dispute Resolution Landscape?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52028/rbadr.v7.i14.ART11.POLKeywords:
China, Dispute resolution, Arbitration, Digitalisation, New TechnologiesAbstract
The introduction of new arbitration rules in mainland China has the potential to reshape the dispute-resolution landscape significantly. China has a strong ambition to provide the world’s most comprehensive and effective arbitration rules. To cite a few examples, the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC) and the Shanghai International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (SHIAC) have adopted a fresh perspective on the ongoing changes, namely digitalisation, which has been prioritised in mainland China. Both e-agreement and e-award can be signed with an electronic signature, which is binding under Chinese law. In addition, China’s arbitral institutions make use of artificial intelligence (AI). The Guangzhou Arbitration Commission (GAC) introduced the so-called AI arbitration assistant, which not only enables simultaneous interpretation but also the creation of transcripts in arbitration proceedings. The main research objectives are: to examine recent changes in the arbitration rules of Chinese arbitral institutions regarding both digitalisation and the integration of AI-powered tools; and to assess the potential of Chinese innovation-driven solutions to shape international arbitration standards. Therefore, this analysis raises the question of which solutions explicitly offered by the leading arbitration institutions in China are likely to be adopted globally. It leads us to conclude that China is determined to adapt its national legislation, even in some sensitive areas such as ad hoc arbitration, to pave the way for becoming a fully recognised dispute resolution centre in line with international standards.
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