The Chinese legislator recently established a nationwide framework for commercial dispute mediation in China. The regulations promulgated on 31 December 2025 by the State Council cover disputes in areas including trade, investment, finance, transportation, real estate, engineering construction, and intellectual property, while excluding matters such as marriage and family, inheritance, guardianship, labour/personnel, and consumer rights that must be handled by other legal means. The regulations are effective as of 1 May 2026. They will apply to foreign parties. However, some time will be needed for their local implementation.