The 23rd International Congress of Maritime Arbitrators (ICMA XXIII) was held in Singapore on March 22-27, 2026. As the highest-level and most influential international academic event in maritime arbitration, ICMA is a prestigious international forum for maritime arbitrators, lawyers, shipping professionals and arbitration institutions from around the world to exchanges insights on maritime issues.

Hosted by the Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration, ICMA XXIII brought together nearly 300 delegates from 36 countries/regions to discuss the development trends and cutting-edge issues in maritime law and arbitration practice. CMAC is one of the supporting organizations of ICMA XXIII, and Dr. YANG Fan, Deputy Secretary-General & Vice President of Arbitration Court of CMAC, was invited to attend and speak at the conference.

At the concurrent session on “National Issues”, Dr. Yang delivered a speech titled China’s Maritime Arbitration: A New Stage of Internationalization Aiming for Preferred Seat of Arbitration. She introduced the highlights of China’s newly revised Arbitration Law and Maritime Code, and shared the latest developments in the rules and practices of China’s maritime arbitration.

She pointed out that China’s maritime arbitration is entering a new stage of internationalization aiming for preferred seat of arbitration. The amendment of its Arbitration Law and Maritime Code have better prepared China in terms of a solid legal foundation from both procedural and substantial law. Currently China’s maritime arbitration is facing historic development opportunity. CMAC looks forward to cooperate with the international arbitration community to share this great opportunity and foster a better future together.