COVID-19 Legal Series (8): How Will PRC Courts Handle COVID-19 Disputes? The Supreme Court Has Its Say

China's top court has issued long-awaited guidance to lower courts about handling civil disputes arising from the novel coronavirus pandemic, calling on lower courts to facilitate continued contractual performance where possible. Although the guidance did not introduce new legal principles or regulations, the court is clear in its intent to support businesses hit by the pandemic while exercising caution about allowing contracts to be terminated, lawyers say.