China's top court expands International Commercial Expert Committee

China's Supreme People's Court (SPC) held the Fourth Seminar of the International Commercial Expert Committee on Wednesday. During the gathering, it underlined its dedication to the fair and efficient resolution of international commercial disputes. The event also marked the reappointment and addition of expert committee members, now totaling 63 from 26 countries and regions.

Established on August 26, 2018, the International Commercial Expert Committee was created by the SPC to enhance international exchanges and cooperation. It supports the International Commercial Court by promoting various dispute resolution procedures such as mediation, arbitration and litigation.

Chief Justice Zhang Jun, president of the SPC, addressed the gathering about the reappointment and expansion of the expert committee. He said it reflects China's dedication to openness and alignment with international legal standards. 

He also called for mutual learning among different judicial systems and respect for diverse cultural traditions, legal structures and judicial practices to achieve fairness and justice in international commerce.

Zhang proposed three key initiatives to enhance the resolution of international commercial disputes. The first is safeguarding justice by ensuring the equal protection of legitimate rights for parties from all nations. The second focuses on improving efficient dispute resolution procedures through the diverse expertise of the committee. The third initiative aims to promote cooperation for mutual benefit, strengthening global judicial dialog to support the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Legal experts from China and around the world held discussions on cooperation, dialogue, greater integration and peaceful development. The International Commercial Expert Committee, featuring leaders of international organizations, legal scholars, senior judges and experienced lawyers from different legal systems and regions, has promoted broad representation in geography and professional backgrounds.

The experts are believed to play a crucial role in mediating disputes, providing advisory opinions on specialized legal issues, and offering suggestions on amendments to court rules and judicial policies.