The MPL is to prevail where there is a difference between the Civil Procedure Law and the MPL (Article 2). The enactment of the Maritime Code, the MPL and other maritime-related laws and regulations was also a sign of establishing a comprehensive legal framework for the Chinese maritime industry. Previously, Chinese maritime polices relied largely on administrative decisions and documents – the so called Red Title Document – which could be changed according to political and social events. This resulted in criticism concerning the lack of stability and openness in Chinese shipping administration and policy-making. The ‘open door’ policy and the fast development of foreign trade and the shipping industry required a long term maritime policy. In this sense, the publication of the Maritime Code and regulations is a very important step in maritime development and reform of the country. These legislative maritime policies, some of which have been practised for a long time and others which are new philosophies, will influence the Chinese shipping industry in the future for the long term. China had been seeking GATT/WTO membership since 1986. After 15 years of negotiation with trading partners, China officially became a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in November 2001. China’s accession to the WTO was a significant event to the world as well as to China. WTO membership will compel China to change its current commercial laws and practices to conform to WTO rules. Trade disputes would be resolved through the WTO adjudication procedures rather than through bilateral bargaining. This has already had a dynamic effect in drawing the Chinese maritime legal system toward openness and transparency.

DOI link for The MPL is to prevail where there is a difference between the Civil Procedure Law and the MPL (Article 2). The enactment of the Maritime Code, the MPL and other maritime-related laws and regulations was also a sign of establishing a comprehensive legal framework for the Chinese maritime industry. Previously, Chinese maritime polices relied largely on administrative decisions and documents – the so called Red Title Document – which could be changed according to political and social events. This resulted in criticism concerning the lack of stability and openness in Chinese shipping administration and policy-making. The ‘open door’ policy and the fast development of foreign trade and the shipping industry required a long term maritime policy. In this sense, the publication of the Maritime Code and regulations is a very important step in maritime development and reform of the country. These legislative maritime policies, some of which have been practised for a long time and others which are new philosophies, will influence the Chinese shipping industry in the future for the long term. China had been seeking GATT/WTO membership since 1986. After 15 years of negotiation with trading partners, China officially became a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in November 2001. China’s accession to the WTO was a significant event to the world as well as to China. WTO membership will compel China to change its current commercial laws and practices to conform to WTO rules. Trade disputes would be resolved through the WTO adjudication procedures rather than through bilateral bargaining. This has already had a dynamic effect in drawing the Chinese maritime legal system toward openness and transparency.

The MPL is to prevail where there is a difference between the Civil Procedure Law and the MPL (Article 2). The enactment of the Maritime Code, the MPL and other maritime-related laws and regulations was also a sign of establishing a comprehensive legal framework for the Chinese maritime industry. Previously, Chinese maritime polices relied largely on administrative decisions and documents – the so called Red Title Document – which could be changed according to political and social events. This resulted in criticism concerning the lack of stability and openness in Chinese shipping administration and policy-making. The ‘open door’ policy and the fast development of foreign trade and the shipping industry required a long term maritime policy. In this sense, the publication of the Maritime Code and regulations is a very important step in maritime development and reform of the country. These legislative maritime policies, some of which have been practised for a long time and others which are new philosophies, will influence the Chinese shipping industry in the future for the long term. China had been seeking GATT/WTO membership since 1986. After 15 years of negotiation with trading partners, China officially became a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in November 2001. China’s accession to the WTO was a significant event to the world as well as to China. WTO membership will compel China to change its current commercial laws and practices to conform to WTO rules. Trade disputes would be resolved through the WTO adjudication procedures rather than through bilateral bargaining. This has already had a dynamic effect in drawing the Chinese maritime legal system toward openness and transparency.