Limitation of action means that the obligee whose civil rights have been infringed fails to exercise his rights within the statutory limitation period, and when the limitation period expires, the debtor obtains the defense right of limitation of action.

During the statutory limitation period, if the creditor makes a request, the people's court will force the debtor to perform its obligations.

After the expiration of the statutory limitation period, if the obligee exercises the right of claim, the people's court will no longer protect it. After the expiration of the limitation period, although the debtor may refuse to perform his obligations, the creditor's right of claim will be hindered, and the right itself and the right of claim will not be eliminated.

Extended data:

According to Chapter VII of General Principles of Civil Law of People's Republic of China (PRC)-Limitation of Action:

Article 135 The limitation of action for requesting protection of civil rights from a people's court shall be two years, unless otherwise provided by law.

Article 137 The limitation period of action shall be counted from the time when one knows or should know that one's rights have been infringed. However, if more than 20 years have passed since the right was infringed, the people's court will not protect it. Under special circumstances, the people's court may extend the limitation of action.

Baidu encyclopedia-statute of limitations

Southern Network-General Principles of People's Republic of China (PRC) Civil Law