Recently, the School of International Arbitration of Queen Mary University of London  and White & Case LLP International Law Firm  jointly released the 2025 International Arbitration Survey - The path forward: Realities and opportunities in arbitration.

According to the 2025 International Arbitration Survey, China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (“CIETAC”) Arbitration Rules were ranked as the fifth most preferred arbitral rules in the world, alongside the UNCITRAL  Arbitration Rules, in terms of the preferences of parties to international arbitration, with 15% of global respondents sharing the same preference.

After being recognized as one of the top five most popular arbitration institutions in the world in 2021, CIETAC Arbitration Rules were again selected as one of the top five most favored arbitration rules in the world in the 2025 International Arbitration Survey, indicating that CIETAC has become the only arbitration institution in Mainland China to be selected as one of the top five most favored arbitration institutions in the world as well as one of the top five most favored arbitration rules in the world at the same time. This shows that CIETAC has continued to maintain its status as one of the world’s leading arbitration institutions, reflecting the recognition and trust of the international arbitration community and the majority of arbitration users in CIETAC and even in Chinese arbitration.

The survey shows that in terms of choice of seats, Beijing has become the fourth most popular seat of arbitration in the world for the first time, up two rankings compared to 2021. London ranks first globally, with Hong Kong and Singapore tied for second place, and for the first time, the Asia-Pacific region occupies three of the top four positions in terms of the most popular seats of arbitration. This shows the growing popularity and influence of the Asia-Pacific region in the international arbitration community. Respondents cited the strength of the support for arbitration by local courts, the neutrality and impartiality of the local legal system and national arbitration law and strong enforcement track record as important factors influencing preference for seats .