Contract Dispute Resolution InternationalInspiration from developments of international commercial courts

September 30, 20250

On 25 September 2025, the Supreme People’s Court of China officially released the Opinions on Promoting the High-Quality Development of International Commercial Courts and Serving and Safeguarding High-Level Opening-Up (hereinafter referred to as the “Opinions”). The Opinions are intended to systematically plan the high-quality coordinated development of the Supreme People’s Court International Commercial Court and local international commercial courts, as well as to innovate mechanisms for handling foreign-related cases. This represents another key initiative to serve and safeguard the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative and China’s high-level opening-up.

The Opinions put forward fifteen specific measures across five key areas, summarized as follows:

I. Clarifying Goals and Tasks (2 measures)

Fully implementing the Rule of Law.
Establishing a framework for resolving international commercial disputes that is rationally structured, fair and efficient, distinctive in character, and convenient in service.

II. Innovating and Improving Adjudication Mechanisms (6 measures)

Optimizing jurisdiction mechanisms for foreign-related commercial cases.
Improving case management mechanisms.
Strengthening mechanisms that facilitate litigation.
Enhancing mechanisms for the application of international treaties and international practices.
Improving mechanisms for ascertaining foreign law.
Innovating mechanisms for the operation of courts.

III. Deepening Multi-Dimensional Dispute Resolution (3 measures)

Strengthening judicial confirmation mechanisms for international commercial mediation agreements.
Supporting and supervising the development of arbitration and leveraging the role of the “one-stop” diversified dispute resolution platform.
Giving full play to the think tank role of the International Commercial Expert Committee.

IV. Strengthening Talent Reserves in Foreign-Related Rule of Law (2 measures)

Improving mechanisms for the selection, training, and utilization of personnel, while maintaining stability of the adjudication teams.
Establishing tiered training models for judges, enhancing their capacity to handle foreign-related legal affairs.

V. Deepening International Judicial Exchanges and Cooperation (2 measures)

Improving mechanisms for judicial assistance and the exchange and sharing of cases.
Strengthening cooperation with international organizations, and effectively telling China’s story on the rule of law in foreign-related matters.

The release of the Opinions by the Supreme People’s Court marks a new stage of high-quality development for China’s foreign-related legal system and its international commercial dispute resolution mechanisms. For enterprises deeply engaged in international trade, investment, and cooperation, this represents both a major opportunity and a signal that deeper understanding and adaptation to an increasingly professionalized and internationalized commercial legal environment will be necessary.

Leveraging its profound expertise and global network, ICL Consulting can provide clients with comprehensive and forward-looking support in this new context:

1. Accurate Interpretation and Trend Analysis

In-depth analysis of the impact of the Opinions: ICL Consulting’s expert team will provide detailed interpretation of the Opinions, analyzing specific initiatives such as optimizing jurisdictional mechanisms, improving foreign law ascertainment, and innovating court operations, while assessing potential impacts on your industry and specific business activities.
Grasping policy direction: ICL Consulting can help you understand the latest developments in China’s construction of the foreign-related rule of law, including cooperation trends with institutions such as the International Mediation Institute and the International Commercial Dispute Prevention and Settlement Organization, enabling you to plan ahead.

2. Strategic Planning and Risk Prevention

Optimizing dispute resolution strategies: In line with the Opinions’ emphasis on the organic integration of litigation, mediation, and arbitration, ICL Consulting can assist you in evaluating and formulating diversified dispute resolution strategies that best meet your commercial needs, making full use of the “one-stop” platform to achieve fair, efficient, and cost-effective dispute resolution.
Contract design and compliance review: Under the new environment fostered by the Opinions, ICL Consulting can assist you in reviewing and drafting international trade and investment contracts, rationally choosing governing law and dispute resolution methods, and strengthening the prevention of international commercial disputes at their source.

3. Ascertainment and Application of Foreign Law

The Opinions improve the mechanism for ascertaining foreign law. Drawing on its global legal resources, ICL Consulting can provide efficient and accurate foreign law ascertainment and research services, offering strong support for litigation or arbitration.

4. Capacity Building and Talent Development

In light of the Opinions’ emphasis on cultivating foreign-related rule of law talent, ICL Consulting can provide customized training for in-house counsel and management teams, enhancing their ability to manage foreign-related legal risks and apply international rules

China is embracing the world with a more open posture, and its international commercial dispute resolution system is accelerating toward greater efficiency, convenience, and internationalization. This provides stronger rule-of-law guarantees and broader development space for enterprises engaged in cross-border operations.

In the face of this historic opportunity, choosing a professional partner is crucial. Standing at the forefront of foreign-related legal services, ICL Consulting is committed to providing clients with strategic legal advice and solutions, helping you navigate risks, seize opportunities, and achieve steady and long-term success in a complex international environment.

In the world of law, patience precedes justice

Contract Dispute Resolution InternationalInspiration from developments of international commercial courts

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