What 合同 means
PRC contract analysis starts with formation, authority, validity, interpretation, performance and remedies. Written form is common in business transactions, but legal effect can also depend on conduct, electronic communications and mandatory rules.
A signed document is not the end of the analysis. Party identity, chop or signature authority, mandatory law, language versions, evidence and dispute clauses can all affect enforceability.
Where you see the term
Translation note
合同 is usually “contract”. “Agreement” may be stylistically appropriate for some documents, but it does not create a separate legal category by itself.
Primary legal basis
Example
Two companies negotiate by email, exchange a final purchase order and begin performance before a formal bilingual agreement is signed. The legal analysis must consider whether a contract was already formed.
Primary authorities.
18 Sep 2026