All the ‘need to know’ developments in international arbitration over the past year. Leading international names will share the potential implications for China, and what we should expect for the rest of the year and 2027.

Geopolitical tensions and US trade wars continue to reshape global commerce. As Chinese companies explore alternative growth routes, they face new opportunities but unfamiliar dispute risks. This session will examine how companies are adapting and the key considerations when entering new markets.

The panel are expected to discuss:

• Where are Chinese companies directing their investments as global trade dynamics shift?
• Managing dispute risks and selecting appropriate resolution options in unfamiliar jurisdictions
• Practical considerations and challenges in cross‑border enforcement and awards management

When parties come to arbitration with different procedural expectations, the process can slow down at multiple stages. From document production to witness examination, differences in approach can lead to delay, confusion and extra cost. Our distinguished panellists will share practical ways to boost procedural efficiency, with a focus on early alignment and streamlined processes throughout the case.

The panel are expected to discuss:

• Early procedural planning to align expectations on the scope and timing of document production
• Efficient management of interim measures and procedural applications
• Strategies for making cross‑examination more efficient when counsel and witnesses have varying levels of familiarity with the process

Businesses new to Chinese arbitration sometimes lose their first cases because they don’t understand the ‘game’ – namely, what matter to arbitrators. From strong institutional involvement to limited disclosure and constrained cross‑examination, this session will serve as a bridge and knowledge booster, helping international users operate more effectively within the Chinese arbitration framework.

The panel are expected to discuss:

• Differences in Chinese institutions’ procedural involvement
• Approaches to dealing with closed lists of arbitrators
• How an inquisitorial style changes the flow of a hearing
• Managing limited disclosure and restricted cross‑examination
• Additional procedural nuances that may challenge international participants

This interactive session will provide an opportunity for the audience to pose questions directly to an esteemed panel of arbitrators and advocates.