On 22 April 2025, GAR Live: Shenzhen hosted by Global Arbitration Review (GAR) and supported by the Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration (SCIA), was held at SCIA Tower in Qianhai, Shenzhen. This marked the first time that the GAR Live event was held in Shenzhen, China.

Conference Venue

The event attracted nearly 100 international arbitration experts and corporate legal counsels from various jurisdictions, including Chinese mainland, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, Singapore, Australia, the UK, the Netherlands, France, Germany, and the USA. Participants engaged in deep discussions on cutting-edge topics related to China's commercial dispute resolution and arbitration procedures. The event offered attendees a close-up view of Shenzhen's legal environment, highlighting its commitment to fostering a business-friendly atmosphere.

Queenie Lau SC, one of the event’s co-chairs, Barrister at Temple Chambers, delivered the welcome address.

John Rhie, one of the event’s co-chairs, Partner at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, gave the welcome speech.

Session one: How to lose an international arbitration (and how not to)

Queenie Lau SC, Barrister at Temple Chambers, Gillian Lam, Partner at Deacons, Liu Xiaochun, President of the SCIA, Melody Chang, Partner at A&O Shearman, and Luo Zhiqiang, Partner at Hui Zhong Law Firm, shared their practical experiences and professional insights on this topic. (From left to right)

Session two: Embracing ISDS: The Chinese perspective

Twenty Essex Hi-Taek shin, Duncan Watson KC, Partner at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, Jiang Xue, Partner at Commerce & Finance Law Offices, Irene Lee, General Counsel at Deminor Litigation Funding, and Wei Wen, Senior Attorney at CMS, shared their expertise and provided deep practical insights. (From left to right)

Session three: GAR Live: What would you do?
John Rhie, Partner at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, Jonathan Chang SC, Barrister at Temple Chambers, Hu Ke, Partner at Jingtian & Gongcheng, Peng Zhu, Partner at Fangda Partners, and Long Dong, General Counsel at the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC), engaged in discussions on hot topics in international arbitration practice. (From left to right)

Session four: Arbitrating lP disputes

Jennifer Wu, Partner at Pinsent Masons, Tong Xin, Deputy Director of the Intellectual Property Department at ZTE, Winnie Tam SC, Barrister at Des Voeux Chambers, Sebastian Hughes, Barrister at Prince's Chambers, and Zhang Cunyuan, Director and Head of the China Office of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), had an in-depth discussion on key issues and developments in the field of intellectual property arbitration. (From left to right)

Session five: Practical tips for navigating sanctions
Philipp Hanusch, Partner at Baker McKenzie, Victor Dawes SC, Barrister at Temple Chambers, Chunlong Lin, Partner at WongPartnership, Tang Weiyang, Partner at JunHe Law Firm, and Yang Guang, Deputy Secretary General of the Shanghai International Arbitration Center (SHIAC), shared their practical experiences and advice on dealing with sanctions in today's international environment. (From left to right)

Event site