China’s Modernization of International Commercial Arbitration and Transnational Legal Order

China’s interaction with international commercial arbitration (ICA) norms reveals a trajectory from initial resistance to gradual alignment and potential emergence as a rule contributor. This early resistance manifested in its unique dual-track arbitration mechanism and institutional arbitration monopoly. Reforms signal a shift towards global standards, driven by pro-arbitration judicial efforts and institutional competition in China’s vibrant arbitration market. As China’s global influence expands, it is innovating to shape the ICA landscape through initiatives like the China-Africa Joint Arbitration Centre, the China International Commercial Court’s one-stop dispute resolution platform, and the International Commercial Dispute Prevention and Settlement Organization. The role of transnational legal elites in China further facilitates this evolution.