On 30 Oct. 2022, China’s legislature, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, ratified the “Treaty between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Kenya on Judicial Assistance in Criminal Matters” (中华人民共和国和肯尼亚共和国关于刑事司法协助的条约), which was signed by representatives of the People’s Republic of China in Beijing on 15 May 2017.
Cover Photo by Sergey Pesterev on Unsplash
Contributors: CJO Staff Contributors Team
SPC Releases Typical Cases to Support Hong Kong Arbitration
In September 2024, China’s Supreme People’s Court (SPC) released six typical cases to demonstrate its support for Hong Kong arbitration, emphasizing judicial cooperation and the recognition of arbitral awards to foster international arbitration development.
SPC Sets Standards for Punitive Damages in Food Safety
In August 2024, China’s Supreme People’s Court (SPC) issued a judicial interpretation that addresses punitive damages in food safety cases, featuring typical cases to establish uniform standards and enhance consumer protection.
Authenticating Documents for Use in Chinese Courts: Apostille or Not?
The 1961 Apostille Convention, effective in China as of November 2023, simplifies the authentication of foreign documents for use in Chinese courts by replacing traditional consular legalization with apostille. Note that authentication is only required for certain types of documents under Chinese law, and the apostille process applies only when the 1961 Convention is relevant.
SPP Releases 2024 Mid-Year Case Data
In the first half of 2024, China's Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) reported significant increases in arrests and prosecutions, as well as a notable rise in retrials based on their recommendations in civil cases.
Shanghai Concludes China's First Ad Hoc Maritime Arbitration
China's first foreign-related ad hoc maritime arbitration case, involving a crew management contract dispute, was concluded in Shanghai, applying international practices and newly adopted local arbitration regulations.
China Issues Judicial Interpretation on Money Laundering Cases
In August 2024, China's top judicial organs released new judicial interpretations, establishing clear standards for the conviction and sentencing of money laundering offenses following significant amendments to the PRC Criminal Law.
China Intensifies Crackdown on Cross-Border Telecom Fraud
In July 2024, China's Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP), Supreme People’s Court (SPC), and the Ministry of Public Security released ten typical cases to highlight their intensified efforts to combat cross-border telecom and online fraud, emphasizing organized crime and emerging technologies.
China's Clean Energy Progress Report (2024)
China's 2024 white paper titled “China’s Energy Transition” shows clean energy now makes up 58.2% of installed power capacity, with wind and solar increasing tenfold over a decade, and clean energy consumption rising from 15.5% to 26.4% of total energy use.
SPC Releases Typical Cases on Foreign Law Ascertainment
In July 2024, China's Supreme People's Court (SPC) issued its first batch of typical cases to illustrate the application of foreign laws, aiming to enhance the judiciary's understanding of its 2023 judicial interpretation on ascertainment of foreign law.
China Updates Regulation for State Secrets Law
In June 2024, China revised the implementing regulation for its State Secrets Law, enhancing classification procedures, personnel confidentiality management, and secrecy inspection standards.