Esteemed pioneer of Chinese arbitration and beloved member of the international arbitration community, Professor Tang Houzhi, passed away on 2 March 2020 at the age of 95.

Professor Tang leaves a lasting legacy not just in Chinese arbitration, but in international arbitration as well. In particular, as the founding father of the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC), he spearheaded the development of one of the most prominent arbitration institutions in the world, and bridged the gap between the Chinese and international legal communities. Notably, he was a strong advocate for China to become a signatory of the New York Convention, and he was a force behind the modernization of China’s arbitration practices. His leadership shaped CIETAC’s infrastructure and enabled it to become the powerhouse institution with a growing volume of foreign disputes that it is today.

While Professor Tang was an accomplished arbitrator himself, having heard over 400 domestic and international cases, he was also a keen supporter of mediation. He developed the now widely-adopted practice of arb-med, and brought alternative dispute resolution to new heights. He also had an impressive career as an academic, having held posts as Professor of Law at the People’s University of China, visiting Professor of the Amoy University School of Law, and an honorary Professor of the Hong Kong City University School of Law.

Professor Tang’s legacy is not limited to the Chinese legal landscape. He also represented China during the drafting of the UNCITRAL Model Law, and was recognized as an active delegate. He was also a long-standing member of the ICCA leadership body, first serving on its Council and then as an Advisory Board Member. He was instrumental in bringing the ICCA congress to China for the first time ever in 2004, and is remembered fondly by the community.

Professor Tang is well-loved in the community, and his warm and welcoming personality enabled him to forge long-standing friendships as well as links between CIETAC and other institutions. He was truly an ambassador for arbitration in China, and members of the community have fond memories of Professor Tang’s support and contribution, even when it was for competing institutions, as well as his nurture of up and coming young lawyers. He also received countless honours for his contribution. He was appointed Commander of the Royal Order of the Polar Star by the Swedish king Carl XVI Gustaf in 2003, and was presented two lifetime achievement awards from CIETAC and GAR respectively.

Professor Tang was a man before his time, and the community will mourn the loss of one of its driving forces of change. We offer our condolences to his family and friends, and his spirit will live in those whose lives he had touched.