CHINA: an International Journal

Editors' Message

Since the launch of the reforms in China in 1978 there has been an enormous expansion in the world's awareness of the country. There are now dozens of journals in English devoted to China Studies. However, as China is the world's most populous country, and one of the largest and most diverse economically and geographically, we believe there is place for another. Moreover, there is agreement that the consequences for the world as a whole of China's political and economic maturation present one of the most important international issues today.

One of the many questions the establishment of a new academic journal poses is what to call it. After considering various combinations and permutations, we eventually settled on China: an International Journal (CIJ) because it captures the essence of our goal, namely to highlight the fact that events in China are often viewed quite differently from country to country. Based outside China, America and Europe, CIJ will strive to present diverse frames of reference and perceptions.

As the ideological divide between capitalism and communism fades and the forces of globalisation gain momentum, we are keen to foster a forum for the dynamic discussion of new information, and to shed new light on old topics. The first part of the journal is comprised of research articles no longer than 10,000 words, review articles (10,000-word review of 3 or more books on the same topic), and notes and comments (no more than 5,000 words each). These all aim to provide information and raise research questions pertaining to policy formulation and implementation that may be time-sensitive.

The final and distinctive section offers a chronology and summaries of documents pertaining to relations between China and ASEAN. The recent signing of an agreement on economic cooperation between China and the 10-member ASEAN, potentially involving 1.7 billion consumers and two-way annual trade of US$1.2 trillion, is a particularly significant development. It is the goal of CIJ to provide key background information and to monitor the development of political, economic, social, and legal relations among these countries.

The response we have received since the inception of CIJ in early 2002 has been extremely encouraging. We are very grateful for the support from China scholars around the world for offering their services on the advisory and editorial boards. The flow of submissions has been brisk and we would like to express our sincere thanks to the dozens of established researchers whom we have called upon to assist in reviewing the material.

Every journal depends on the quality of submissions and dynamism of its contributors and readership. We will always be very pleased to hear from you, and to receive articles, notes, comments, and suggestions.