In accordance with the Arbitration Law of the People's Republic of China and the CMAC Rules on the Conferral of Qualification of Arbitrators, and after completing the examination, review and approval procedures, CMAC’s new Panel of Arbitrators has officially taken effect since May 1, 2026. The term of office for the current Panel of Arbitrators is five years, expiring on April 30, 2031.

This panel renewal fully implements China’s policy on improving the arbitration system and enhancing the credibility of arbitration, and supports the national strategies such as building a strong maritime country and advancing the Belt and Road Initiative. With the aim of becoming a top-tier international arbitration institution, and adhering to the selection principles of strong arbitration commitments, prudent admission and careful dismissal, global coverage, professional diversity and reasonable structure, CMAC has further enhanced the international profile and professional composition of its arbitrator pool, providing strong talent support for the high-quality development of maritime arbitration.

The new Panel of Arbitrators consists of 1,131 arbitrators from 51 countries and regions, 15 jurisdictions more than the previous panel. Among them, 167 arbitrators are from the Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, Taiwan region and foreign countries, marking an increase of 29.45% and reflecting a more extensive and diversified global coverage. The Panel also includes 964 mainland Chinese arbitrators from 24 provincial-level administrative regions, with a 22.65% increase and a more coordinated and balanced national geographical distribution.

In terms of professional structure, the core backbones composed of practicing lawyers, in-house counsels and university professors have been further strengthened, adding up to nearly 90% of the new Panel, which better meets the dual criteria of both theoretical foundation and practical experience to ensure high-quality arbitration practice.

In terms of expertise areas, CMAC has broadened its talent pool to include construction engineering (including offshore engineering), insurance and finance, securities and futures, energy development, digital economy and artificial intelligence, etc., alongside its core fields of maritime and admiralty, transportation and logistics. This supports CMAC’s diversified and innovative business development, enabling its service capacities to match evolving markets and industry needs.

As the core decision-makers in arbitrations, arbitrators serve as the key force in providing high-quality arbitration service and upholding arbitration credibility. With the support of its first-class international and professional arbitrator pool, CMAC will continue to provide fair and efficient maritime and commercial dispute resolution services to parties at home and broad, promote the high-quality development of CMAC and China’s arbitration, and provide strong legal support for China’s trade and investment promotion as well as its high-level opening-up.

The new Panel of Arbitrators can be viewed and downloaded via CMAC’s official website or by scanning the attached QR code. Printed hard copies are also available upon application.

Appendix: CMAC Panel of Arbitrators (Effective as of May 1, 2026)