On August 1st, 2012, China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC) issued Announcement On the Administration of Cases Agreed to be Arbitrated by CIETAC Shanghai Sub-commission and CIETAC South China Sub-commission (hereinafter referred to as “Administrative Announcement”), suspended its authorization to the CIETAC Shanghai Sub-commission and CIETAC South China Sub-commission (renamed from the CIETAC Shenzhen Sub-commission) for accepting and administering arbitration cases.

On August 4th, 2012, the CIETAC Shanghai Sub-commission (CIETAC Shanghai) and the CIETAC South China Sub-commission (CIETAC South China) made a Joint Statement, saying that they “will overcome all the improper disturbances from CIETAC, as independent arbitration institutions and subject to the Arbitration Law, continue to accept and manage arbitration cases as agreed upon by the parties.”