Modernising arbitration in the PRC

• The 2026 amendments modernise China’s arbitration law to better align with international standards and increase its appeal as a global arbitration seat.
• The reforms introduce more interim measures and enhance party and tribunal autonomy.
• They also open the market to foreign arbitration institutions while strengthening enforcement mechanisms and procedural clarity.

On 1 March 2026, the amendments to the Arbitration Law of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), adopted on 12 September 2025, came into force. The amendments are extensive and are aimed at improving the arbitration framework in the PRC. The amended law expressly states that the aim is that ‘the development of arbitration shall… serve the national objectives of high-quality development and high-level opening up, foster a market-oriented, law-based and internationalised business environment, and play a role in resolving economic disputes’ (Art 2). The law does not apply to Hong Kong, which