This chapter reflects on the history and organization of the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (‘CIETAC’) and the role it plays in the administration of arbitrations under the CIETAC Rules. The CIETAC is organized as an arbitration commission under the Arbitration Law of the People’s Republic of China (‘PRC Arbitration Law’). Its internal rules of governance are set out in the Articles of Association of the CIETAC. The chapter then considers the previous and concurrent names of the CIETAC—including the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (‘CCPIT’) and the China Chamber of International Commerce (‘CCOIC’)—and the rule concerning reference to the CIETAC’s other names in the arbitration agreement. It also discusses the structure and duties of the CIETAC, including: (i) the duties of the Chairman, Vice Chairmen, and the Arbitration Court; (ii) the establishment and organs of sub-commissions/arbitration centres under the CIETAC; and (iii) the allocation of jurisdiction among the CIETAC and its various sub-commissions and/or arbitration centres.
