Announcing Discovery and Research on Chinese Arbitration Awards

Abstract

We have discovered what appears to be a comprehensive collection of over 4,000 full-text Chinese arbitration awards for international disputes for the decade 1990-2000. This is an extremely rare find because arbitrations are presumptively private and confidential, and Chinese arbitrations are considered particularly opaque.

The research team is conducting a detailed empirical study of these CIETAC awards. We are analyzing the arbitrators’ decision-making process and making both general and specific inquiries about what makes a difference in how disputes were resolved. This was a formative period for Chinese trade relations and the Chinese arbitration process. The patterns uncovered by this research should provide insights into both present and future Chinese arbitration practices.

Keywords: International arbitration, Foreign investment in China, Chinese arbitration, Empirical study, Chinese justice, CIETAC, Rule of law, Dispute resolution, Contracts, Legal reform, Decision-making, China trade, Foreign trade

JEL Classification: D63, K12, K19, K29, K33, K39, K49