Follow us

Herbert Smith Freehills has launched the latest edition of its practical guide, "Governing law and dispute resolution clauses for China-related contracts‎".

Popularly known as 'The Dragon Book', the guide helps in-house lawyers negotiating China-related commercial contracts to understand the workings of Mainland Chinese law as it affects choice of law and other options for resolving disputes.‎

"Every commercial contract in the world should state the law by which it is governed and cover what will happen if things go wrong – will disputes will be resolved by arbitration or litigation; where will the process take place?" said Herbert Smith Freehills arbitration partner May Tai.

"However, Chinese law restricts both the choice of law and the types of dispute resolution that can be used for China-related contracts, so drafting the relevant clauses in these contracts is not straightforward."

Since the first edition of The Dragon Book was published, the scale of China business has grown enormously, and disputes have naturally grown as deal volume increases.

"As Chinese investors extend their reach yet further, including as part of the One Belt, One Road initiative, it is inevitable that we will see an increasing number of disputes involving Chinese parties," said May.  "Understanding how best to structure your contract to resolve these disputes when they do arise, and enforcing the ultimate outcome, is a vital piece of the investor's toolkit".

Click here for a taster version of the guide. If you would like to receive the full text, please email briana.young@hsf.com to request a hard or soft copy.

 

Justin D'Agostino photo

Justin D'Agostino

Global CEO, Hong Kong and London

Justin D'Agostino
May Tai photo

May Tai

Consultant, Hong Kong

May Tai
Simon Chapman KC photo

Simon Chapman KC

Managing Partner, Dispute Resolution and Global Co-Head – International Arbitration, Hong Kong

Simon Chapman KC
Kathryn Sanger photo

Kathryn Sanger

Partner, Head of China and Japan, Dispute Resolution, Co-Head of Private Capital, Asia, Hong Kong

Kathryn Sanger
Elizabeth Poulos photo

Elizabeth Poulos

Partner, Brisbane

Elizabeth Poulos

Related categories

Key contacts

Justin D'Agostino photo

Justin D'Agostino

Global CEO, Hong Kong and London

Justin D'Agostino
May Tai photo

May Tai

Consultant, Hong Kong

May Tai
Simon Chapman KC photo

Simon Chapman KC

Managing Partner, Dispute Resolution and Global Co-Head – International Arbitration, Hong Kong

Simon Chapman KC
Kathryn Sanger photo

Kathryn Sanger

Partner, Head of China and Japan, Dispute Resolution, Co-Head of Private Capital, Asia, Hong Kong

Kathryn Sanger
Elizabeth Poulos photo

Elizabeth Poulos

Partner, Brisbane

Elizabeth Poulos
Justin D'Agostino May Tai Simon Chapman KC Kathryn Sanger Elizabeth Poulos