China's top court enhances handling of foreign-related cases

China's top court reaffirmed its dedication to improving the quality and efficiency of handling foreign-related commercial and maritime cases, with the goal of positioning the nation as a preferred destination for resolving international business disputes.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Supreme People's Court disclosed six prominent cases involving foreign litigants, calling on judges across the country to continue their efforts in serving high-level opening-up and promoting high-quality development of the maritime industry.

These cases involved foreign parties from eight countries, including Singapore, Bangladesh, Chile and Switzerland, with some situations where the foreigners voluntarily opted for Chinese courts to address their business issues.

In one case, for example, a Turkish company's vessel, carrying goods from China to Chile as per a bill of lading issued by a Singaporean shipping corporation, experienced water ingress at the Chilean port during unloading, causing damage to the cargo. Subsequently, a Chilean company sued the Turkish and Singaporean entities in a Chinese court, seeking over $90,000 in compensation and associated costs.

After the Chilean company initiated the lawsuit in the Dalian Maritime Court in Northeast China's Liaoning province, both defendants also expressed their willingness to resolve the dispute through Chinese legal channels.

Following the court's patience in explaining laws and learning about the needs of all sides, the case was ultimately concluded through mediation.

"In this scenario, with all three parties hailing from abroad and opting for a Chinese court to settle their conflict, it truly underscores the trust and acknowledgment that foreign litigants place in China's maritime judicial system," the top court said.

It praised the maritime court's effort in the case handling, emphasizing the importance of providing equal protection to litigants, regardless of where they are from.

"The mediation of the lawsuit has demonstrated the strength of the Chinese judiciary, and also contributed to our country establishing itself as a preferred venue for international commercial dispute resolution," it added.