China’s courts to rule on H. Kong commercial disputes

China’s courts will have the authority to enforce rulings in commercial disputes in Hong Kong under a new law, which will come into effect as of January 29, 2024, the Guardian reported on Sunday.

The new law puts into force an agreement signed between China’s supreme people’s court and the government of Hong Kong in 2019 and is designed to reduce the need for re-litigation in civil and commercial disputes.

The ordinance will also cover civil and commercial matters, with certain exclusions, and also allows for judgments reached in Hong Kong to be enforced in the Mainland. It will also expand the range of acceptable courts and tribunals.