CHINA LAW AND PRACTICE: p.2 Contributed by Han Kun The Law to request for return of immovable or movable property; and to demand for alimony, maintenance fee between family members or support fee. In addition to the general three-year rule, certain special statutes of limitation are provided for under particular pieces of legislations. For example, the statute of limitations for the claim of life insurance monies is five years; the statute of limitations for claims under contracts for international sales of goods or contracts for importation and exportation of technology is four years; in certain legally prescribed cir- cumstances, a shareholder opposing a resolution adopted by the shareholders meeting may request the company to purchase its shares, and the statute of limitations for share- holders request for purchase is 90 days from the adoption of the resolution of shareholders meeting if no purchase agree- ment can be reached within 60 days from the adoption of the resolution. Statutes of limitations can be suspended or interrupted. Stat- ute of limitations can be suspended if, for example, the claim cannot be exercised due to force majeure or other circum- stances during the final six months of the statute of limita- tion. Statute of limitations can be interrupted if the right holder requests performance from the other party, in which case the statute of limitation shall start anew. 3.3 Jurisdictional r equirements for a d efendant There are no particular jurisdictional requirements that apply to the defendant. The court will examine whether jurisdiction has been established over the case, that is, whether the case satisfies the geographical jurisdiction and hierarchical jurisdiction. Generally, the court at the defend- ants domicile shall have jurisdiction. Where the domicile and habitual residence of the defendant are different, the court located at the defendant s habitual residence shall have jurisdiction. The standards for determining jurisdiction are uniform before all courts in China. 3.4 Initial Complaint To commence a civil action, the plaintiff needs to file a statement of claims, supporting evidence and identification information for both the plaintiff and the defendant to a