On January 9, 2025, the Qianhai Circuit Court, Shenzhen under the Guangzhou Maritime Court (GZMC) held a hearing for a carriage of goods by sea contract dispute involving residents of Hong Kong SAR and companies from the United States, Vietnam, and Germany. This marked the official opening of the Qianhai Circuit Court.

Shenzhen, a key city in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and a crucial hub for the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, plays a vital role in the historical mission of building a Pilot Demonstration Area of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and becoming a global maritime center city. Qianhai is accelerating efforts to develop into a high-end maritime service center, with a focus on industries such as finance, modern logistics, information services, and technological and cultural innovation. These strategic and emerging industries are closely linked to foreign trade and maritime transportation, and the region is seeing a surge in new quality productive forces, foreign and maritime business elements, and a wealth of legal resources. To support national development strategies and inject new momentum into the development of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone, GZMC has established the Qianhai Circuit Court, aimed at fostering a legal cluster effect. This initiative was made possible with support from the Authority of Qianhai.

The said case involves multiple countries and regions. The leadership of GZMC placed great importance on its hearing, with Deputy President and Party Committee Member Wu Guining serving as the presiding judge. He was joined by Judges Yang Yaxiao and Li Chunyu from the GZMC Shenzhen Division to form the collegiate bench. The Law School of Shenzhen University organized students to attend the hearing as part of their practical training. The proceedings were well-organized, clear, and progressed smoothly. The judicial team demonstrated exceptional professional competence and courtroom management skills, offering the students a rich educational experience in legal practice.

The Qianhai Circuit Court represents a practical initiative by GZMC to support the development of four cooperation zones: Hengqin, Qianhai, Nansha, and Hetao. Located in Qianhai, the court aims to extend its reach outside the area, providing efficient, convenient maritime adjudication services to ports, enterprises, and local communities. It supports the building of an international and market-oriented business environment based on the rule of law in Qianhai and contributes to establishing the GBA as a preferred destination for international maritime dispute resolution.