China is steadily strengthening its maritime legal framework and expanding its role in global ocean governance, according to a new bilingual maritime adjudication report released by the Supreme People’s Court. Covering developments from 2022 to 2024, the report highlights China’s growing judicial influence, its active participation in international rule-making, and its ambition to become a preferred venue for resolving international maritime disputes.
Expanding Maritime Legal Capacity and International Reach
Between 2022 and 2024, Chinese courts handled 6,823 foreign-related maritime cases involving parties from 143 countries and regions, with over 6,000 cases concluded. To support this growing caseload, China amended key legislation, including the Maritime Law, Special Maritime Procedure Law, Marine Environment Protection Law, and foreign-related provisions of the Civil Procedure Law. These reforms aim to modernize the maritime legal system while aligning it with international practices.
The Supreme People’s Court also identified 33 benchmark maritime cases covering areas such as marine environmental protection, public interest litigation, and Belt and Road Initiative-related disputes. These cases serve to standardize adjudication and enhance the quality and consistency of judicial decisions.
Diversified Dispute Resolution and Digital Innovation
Recognizing the complexity of cross-border maritime disputes, China has developed a diversified dispute resolution mechanism that integrates mediation, arbitration, and litigation. Courts such as the Ningbo Maritime Court have established expert mediation think tanks comprising maritime specialists and arbitrators, enabling faster and more cost-effective dispute resolution.
Several high-profile cases demonstrate this approach, including successful mediation involving foreign shipping companies and disputes with no direct connection to China that were nevertheless resolved under Chinese law by mutual consent. Alongside procedural reforms, China has invested heavily in judicial digitalization. A dedicated maritime trials website launched in 2022 uses big data and artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and accessibility for domestic and international litigants.
With an expanding network of specialized maritime courts, modernized legislation, advanced digital tools, and a strong emphasis on international cooperation, China is positioning itself as a leading global center for maritime adjudication. The growing number of foreign parties choosing Chinese courts reflects increasing confidence in the country’s legal system, reinforcing its ambition to build the world’s most comprehensive and influential maritime dispute resolution framework.
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Source – CHINA DAILY
