The Shanghai Maritime Court has ruled on 308 cases involving parties in countries along the “Belt and Road” over the last three years, according to a white paper released yesterday.

The court accepted 43 such cases in 2015. This increased to 127 in 2016, and 138 in 2017 thanks in part to improving ties between China and countries in Asia, Europe and Africa.

The “Belt and Road” is a Chinese-led initiative to enhance cooperation and boost economic development in countries along the Silk Road and Maritime Silk Road.

Of the 308 cases, 278 involved parties in southeast Asian countries, according to the white paper. Many of the cases involved transport and labor contract disputes.

The court uses remote video feeds and foreign maritime experts in trials involving foreign parties.