China has adopted a new Arbitration Law (effective 1 March 2026), which, for the first time, formally recognises ad hoc arbitration – but only in two limited categories: (i) foreign-related maritime disputes, and (ii) foreign-related disputes between enterprises registered in designated free trade zones and the Hainan Free Trade Port.
Standard institutional arbitration remains required in all other cases.
In case of any questions, please contact Rafał Czyżyk – Managing Partner (rczyzyk@cmwlegal.pl).