The supplier stopped performing
Payment was made, but production, delivery or communication stopped. The first review focuses on the contract, counterparty identity and evidence of performance.
CONTRACT DISPUTES IN CHINA
Enforcing your agreement under PRC law.
A Chinese supplier, distributor, customer or partner has not performed. We help foreign companies turn the documents and facts into a practical assessment of evidence, enforceability and next steps.
THE FIRST QUESTION
What can be proved, against whom, and where?
A contract dispute may involve more than a breach. The contracting entity, company seal, governing-law clause, payment trail, delivery records, product specifications and available assets can all affect the options worth considering.
Start with the record. Preserve the contract and its exhibits, identify the Chinese entity that actually received the money or goods, and build a dated timeline before sending a threat or accepting a settlement.
When clients ask for a China contract dispute lawyer
Goods do not match the agreement
Quality, quantity, inspection and acceptance records may decide whether the commercial loss can be documented and pursued.
The Chinese party disputes the contract
Signatures, company seals, authority, versions and conduct after signing can matter. Do not assume an English-language document answers every issue.
Assets may move before action
Timing can affect negotiation leverage and procedural choices. Urgent matters should be raised with the available records as early as possible.
How we structure the assessment
1. Enforceability and evidence review
We map the parties, obligations, payment and performance records, dispute clause, governing law and key gaps in the evidence.
2. Commercial options
We compare a demand, negotiation or mediation approach with arbitration, court proceedings or other appropriate steps based on the facts.
3. Procedure and recovery planning
Where formal action is considered, the discussion can cover forum, filing materials, evidence preservation, timing and the practical question of enforcement.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Sending only a translated contract without the exhibits, payment trail or Chinese entity information.
- Negotiating through a sales contact without confirming who is legally responsible.
- Making factual accusations that are not supported by preserved records.
- Waiting until documents, goods or counterparties become harder to locate.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sue a Chinese company from abroad?
Possibly, but the available route depends on the agreement, parties, forum, evidence and the location of assets. A China-focused review is needed before choosing a path.
How long does a contract dispute take?
There is no reliable single timeline. Complexity, evidence, service, hearings, appeals, enforcement and the parties' conduct can all affect duration.
Should I threaten court action immediately?
Not necessarily. A premature threat can reduce options. First confirm the facts, the contracting entity, the remedy sought and the records that support it.
Need to assess a contract dispute?
Send the agreement, a short timeline and the outcome you need.
General information only. This page is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.