Between National Interests and Global Business: China’s Possible Reservations to the Hague Convention on Choice of Court Agreements

Abstract

In September 2017, China signed the Hague Convention on Choice of Court Agreements. There are no obstacles preventing China from ratifying the Convention. However, the possible reservations China may declare appear to be a key concern for the success of the Convention. This article identifies the key conflicts between the Convention and Chinese law and practice, and analyses the pros and cons of some possible reservations the Chinese authorities may consider when ratifying the Convention. China’s ratification of the Convention would have a positive impact on the global recognition and enforcement of foreign civil and commercial judgments. Although China may have some specific concerns (e.g. national security) in its recognition and enforcement of particular foreign judgments, it is desirable that China adopts a pragmatic approach and minimize the number and extent of its reservations to the Convention.