Rules & Regulations

This unofficial English translation of the Maritime Code of the People’s Republic of China is published by the Institute of Maritime Law Shanghai Maritime University, to facilitate international exchange and academic research. Unofficial Nature: This English translation is provided for convenience and reference only. It is not legally binding. The Chinese original text shall always prevail in any legal context or practice. Potential Inaccuracies: While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this translation may contain errors, ambiguities, or inaccuracies in terminology, grammar, or expression. The publisher assumes no liability for any consequences arising from the use of this document.

(Adopted at the Fifth Meeting of the Standing Committee of the Fourteenth National People's Congress on September 1, 2023) Article 1 This Law is enacted pursuant to the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China to improve China’s foreign state immunity system and define the jurisdiction of the courts of the People’s Republic of China over civil cases involving a foreign State and its property with a view to protecting the lawful rights and interests of the parties concerned, safeguarding the sovereign equality of States, and promoting friendly exchanges with other countries.

(Adopted at the 2nd Meeting of the Standing Committee of the Sixth National People's Congress on September 2, 1983; amended according to the Decision on Amending the Foreign Trade Law of the People's Republic of China and Other Eleven Laws at the 24th Meeting of the Standing Committee of the Twelfth National People's Congress on November 7, 2016; revised at the 28th Meeting of the Standing Committee of the Thirteenth National People's Congress on April 29, 2021)

The States Parties to this Convention, Reaffirming their belief that international trade on the basis of equality and mutual benefit is an important element in promoting friendly relations among States, Mindful of the crucial role of shipping in international trade and transportation, of the high economic value of ships used in both seagoing and inland navigation, and of the function of judicial sales as a means to enforce claims,

(Adopted at the Third Session of the Thirteenth National People’s Congress on May 28, 2020) [Notes: 1. This translation is for reference only. In case of discrepancy between the English translation and the original Chinese text, the Chinese text shall prevail. 2. In this translation, third-person singular male pronouns should be construed to include the corresponding female and neuter pronouns except where the context clearly requires otherwise.]

Article 1 The law has been formulated according to the Constitution with a view to protecting the legitimate rights and interests of workers, regulating labour relations, establishing and safeguarding a labour system that is adaptable to a socialist market economy and promoting economic development and social progress.