Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in China: A Call for Special Attention to Both the "Due Service Requirement" and the "Principle of Reciprocity"

Nowadays, recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in China is gaining in practical significance. However, a “great wall” seems to have been erected against recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in China. To make a breakthrough, the essentials for achieving recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in China must be unveiled from a practical perspective rather than for purpose of purely theoretical analyses. Investigation into the representative cases in this regard shows that there are two requirements that are of Chinese courts' first and foremost concern, namely the “principle of reciprocity” and the “due service requirement”. Special attention should be paid to both requirements informing the aforesaid cases. Satisfaction of these two requirements may well bring an anticipated recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in China. As a necessity, applicants and foreign courts must enrich their knowledge of the Chinese law and judicial practice in this respect.