Deposition Services & Court Reporting in China

Participation in depositions in mainland China for use in foreign courts may result in the arrest, detention, or deportation of the participants. They may, instead, be taken in nearby Hong Kong.

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Hong Kong

Though depositions are prohibited in mainland China, they may be taken in nearby Hong Kong. Participation in depositions in mainland China for use in foreign courts may result in the arrest, detention, or deportation of the participants. Hong Kong, on the other hand, allows depositions of willing witnesses and the process is relatively straightforward using the Planet Depos checklist for depositions in Hong Kong.

While depositions in China are prohibited, arbitration is extremely common. In recent years there have been over 100,000 arbitrations handled within mainland China per year. We offer cost-effective and reliable realtime, transcription, and related services for arbitrations in China. Our teams of stenographers, editors, and IT specialists are strategically located throughout Asia to meet your needs.

Depositions are not permitted in China

China is a member of The Hague Evidence Convention; however, depositions are NOT PERMITTED in the country. Anyone caught taking depositions in China can be subject to criminal penalties, arrest, detention, or deportation.
Willing Chinese witnesses may be deposed in nearby Asian countries, such as Hong Kong.

Prior permission is not required for depositions in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a member The Hague Evidence Convention.
Depositions can be taken at any location.
Review your deposition checklist.
When scheduling an interpreter, make sure to note whether the dialect needed is Mandarin or Cantonese.

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Court reporters are not authorized to administer the oath in Hong Kong, so the oath will need to be stipulated on the record. Another option would be to apply to the court for a Commission to Administer Oaths.

How We Can Help in Hong Kong

U.S.-trained court reporters and videographers living in Hong Kong.
Vetted interpreters with extensive deposition experience.
No Travel Fees.
On-the-ground assistance to handle exhibit printing, shredding, and other administrative needs.
24/7 support.