Abstract:
In this article, the author compares the application of the separability doctrine in the People’s Republic of China, England and Wales, and select Model Law jurisdictions (including Singapore and Hong Kong). This article argues that the proper scope of the doctrine must include situations of both contractual validity and existence are in question. Additionally, the doctrine should apply in finding that the law of the arbitration agreement is different from the law of the main contract. Finally, the doctrine must also serve to protect party autonomy to shield an arbitration agreement from self-defeating main agreements.