–

In China, the courts are divided into the Supreme People’s Court, local people’s courts at all levels, and specialized courts. Maritime courts have been gradually established to solve maritime claims and disputes within their statutory jurisdiction area. The legal framework regulating the allocation of jurisdiction of first-instance civil and commercial cases seems clear and straightforward; however, conflicts and debates may arise as to whether to choose a maritime court or a local people’s court when deciding over a maritime dispute. This article thus aims to examine the jurisdictional conflicts between the maritime courts and the people’s courts in China.