China’s judicial system is gaining unprecedented international recognition in maritime law, with its courts becoming an increasingly preferred venue for resolving complex international shipping disputes. According to data released by China’s Supreme People’s Court, the nation’s specialized maritime courts accepted over 6,800 foreign-related cases between 2022 and 2024, involving parties from 143 different countries and regions.
This growing international confidence in China’s judicial system represents a significant shift in global maritime dispute resolution trends. Remarkably, many foreign entities are now voluntarily submitting to Chinese jurisdiction even when their disputes have no substantive connection to China, indicating trust in the professionalism and fairness of the Chinese maritime court system.
Established in 1984, China’s maritime judiciary has built substantial expertise over four decades, processing approximately 88,000 foreign-related cases throughout its history. The recent three-year period also saw Chinese courts handle 1,226 cases involving parties from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, with 1,134 of these cases successfully concluded.
The comprehensive data reveals the sheer volume of maritime legal work processed by China’s judicial system, with maritime courts nationwide handling 98,726 total cases during the 2022-2024 period, including 185 maritime criminal cases. The courts demonstrated efficient case resolution, concluding 193 maritime criminal matters within the same timeframe.
This trend underscores China’s expanding influence in international maritime affairs and reflects the global shipping industry’s growing confidence in Chinese judicial proceedings. The development positions China as an increasingly important player in shaping international maritime law and commercial dispute resolution mechanisms.