Unpaid invoices and commercial debts

China Debt Recovery for Foreign Businesses

A Chinese customer, supplier or partner has not paid. We review the debt, evidence, forum and reachable assets to assess a demand, settlement, litigation or enforcement route.

The problem

Payment is overdue. What makes recovery realistic?

An invoice alone may leave questions about delivery, acceptance, disputed deductions and who owes payment. We connect the payment record to performance and a practical recovery budget.

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Routes and remedies to assess

The contract, evidence, forum and applicable law determine which options are available.

  • Review a documented demand and settlement proposal.
  • Assess the claim for principal, interest and losses under the applicable contract and law.
  • Assess property preservation conditions and security before applying.
  • Plan enforcement against legally reachable property after an enforceable decision.

From assessment to the next procedural step

These are stages, not promised completion dates. Service, objections, evidence, appeals and assets affect timing.

Step 1Assessment

Review the record

Confirm the parties, facts, forum and commercial objective.

Step 2Preparation

Close evidence gaps

Prepare authority, evidence, translations and any urgent application.

Step 3Proceedings

Pursue the selected route

Address filing, service, objections and evidence under the applicable procedure.

Step 4Follow-through

Assess settlement or collection

Review the result, reachable assets and the costs of the next step.

What to prepare for an assessment

  • Contract, orders and amendments identifying the creditor and debtor.
  • Invoices, delivery or service records, acceptance and objections.
  • Account reconciliation, due dates, payment receipts and admissions.
  • Registered Chinese entity details, asset clues and approaching deadlines.

Costs, timing and recovery risk

Budget separately for legal work, court fees, translation, authentication, expert evidence and any preservation security or insurance. The amount disputed is not the amount recoverable. Obtain a scope-specific proposal and reassess costs if the forum, evidence or asset picture changes.

Plan the overall litigation budget · Check court fee categories

Related preparation and counsel

Meet our PRC-licensed lawyers · Read official court cases

Common questions

A pre-suit application requires review of urgency, jurisdiction, security and property information. A payment default alone does not guarantee relief.

We assess lawful asset leads and recovery economics. Claims against affiliates or individuals require an independent legal basis.

Timing depends on the chosen route, service, disputed evidence, court procedure and assets. Settlement and collection cannot be assigned a reliable standard duration.

Think this is your situation?

Send a short summary, the amount involved and any approaching deadline. We identify the information needed for assessment and provide a scope and fee proposal before engagement.

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