Skip to main content

China Law Key Words · 01 Practice

Business & Contract

Practical China law orientation, guides and related counsel

201 articles Latest update 13 Sep 2026

Structure & investment

Reading on this topic

Guides, answers and analysis related to this topic.

201 articles

  • Distribution Agreements in China

    A China distribution agreement should identify the commercial model before it allocates territory or sales targets. A distributor normally buys products and resells them in its ow…

  • Do China Contracts Need to Be in Chinese?

    No general rule requires ordinary commercial contracts to be in Chinese. English-only or bilingual contracts can be effective if the agreement itself is valid. In practice, Chines…

  • What Makes a Contract Valid in China?

    A China contract is generally effective when capable parties genuinely agree on lawful terms. Under the Civil Code, a contract is typically formed when the parties reach agreement…

  • Are English-Language Contracts Enforceable in China?

    Yes, if the contract itself is valid; language is rarely the deciding defect. Chinese courts and arbitration institutions regularly hear disputes on English or bilingual commercia…

  • Who Can Sign a Contract for a Chinese Company?

    The legal representative, an authorised agent, or a genuine company chop can bind the company. The legal representative named on the business licence has statutory power to repres…

  • China Liquidated Damages Clauses

    Agreed damages are valid, but Chinese forums can adjust them to actual loss. The Civil Code lets parties stipulate liquidated damages or a method for calculating loss. If the agre…

  • China Limitation of Liability Clauses

    Caps and exclusions can work, but several mandatory limits cannot be drafted away. Commercial parties commonly cap damages at fees paid or exclude indirect loss. Under the Civil C…

  • Terminating a Contract in China

    Termination is a legal act: you need a ground, a clear notice, and a plan for restitution. The Civil Code distinguishes termination by agreement, exercise of a contractual termina…

  • WeChat and Email as Contract Evidence

    WeChat and email can be contract evidence; they are not automatically a complete contract. PRC law recognises electronic data as a form of evidence and does not deny legal effect…

  • China Contract Notice Clauses

    Follow the clause’s method, address and deemed-receipt rule; informal chats are a backup, not a plan. Chinese forums generally treat a contractual notice as effective when it is g…

  • Confidentiality Clauses in China Contracts

    The clause is useful, but it is not a substitute for trade-secret hygiene or an NNN package. Parties may agree to keep defined information confidential, limit use, and return or d…

  • Purchase Orders and Master Agreements in China

    The MSA does not automatically control every PO; conflicting terms are a formation and evidence problem. Parties often sign a framework (MSA) and then issue POs, PI, vendor confir…

  • China Force Majeure Clauses

    Force majeure can excuse non-performance, but only if the event, causation and notice line up. The Civil Code defines force majeure and allows partial or full exemption when an ev…

  • Dongguan Business and Contract Lawyers & Legal Guide

    Looking for business and contract lawyers in Dongguan? Contract risk in this manufacturing city is rarely confined to one purchase order. Electronics, equipment, textiles, footwea…

  • Can a Chinese Company Own 100% of a Company in Vietnam?

    For Chinese companies considering expansion into Southeast Asia, one of the most frequently searched questions is simple: Can a Chinese company own 100% of a company in Vietnam? T…

When the next step needs advice

Turn the legal issue into an actionable next step with guidance from a qualified lawyer.