As globalization deepens, the demand for cross-border legal services—especially arbitration—is growing rapidly. On October 21, China’s arbitration sector took an important step toward internationalization with the official launch of the Shanghai Arbitration Commission (SHAC) European Hub in Malaga, Spain.
As SHAC’s first overseas branch, the hub will offer comprehensive, one-stop legal and commercial services for Chinese enterprises expanding abroad and for multinational companies investing in China.
Malaga was chosen as the location for the hub due to its strategic position linking Europe and Africa, its well-developed legal services sector, and its abundance of international organizations—factors that will provide strong operational support and facilitate cooperation with global institutions to promote the development of international arbitration rules and practices.
Liu Xiaohong, President of SHAC, stated that the establishment of the European Hub marks a key step in building a world-class arbitration institution and enhancing China’s voice in international economic and legal rule-making.
Lu Chunwei, Vice President and Secretary-General of SHAC, noted that the hub’s operations will, in turn, enhance SHAC’s domestic capacity and contribute to the growth of Shanghai’s arbitration sector.
Chu Beiping, President of Shanghai Maritime University, remarked that the new hub reflects the global vision of China’s arbitration institutions and provides a convenient platform for international dispute resolution.
Recognized as one of China’s pioneer cities in building an international commercial arbitration center, Shanghai has now become one of the world’s most resource-rich arbitration hubs.
Established in 1995, SHAC is one of China’s first pilot arbitration institutions. In 2024, the Commission handled 8,047 cases involving disputes worth 47.71 billion yuan, representing year-on-year increases of 9.51% and 7.97%, respectively.