China's push to strengthen its position in global scientific publishing has gained fresh momentum with the rollout of Phase II of the Excellence Action Plan for STM Journals. Led by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Finance, National Press and Publication Administration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Chinese Academy of Engineering, the initiative prioritizes the creation and growth of English-language journals in science, technology, and medicine fields.
Origins and Evolution of the Excellence Action Plan
The Excellence Action Plan originated in 2019 as a coordinated national effort to elevate Chinese STM journals. Its first phase ran through 2023 and focused on building capacity among existing titles while laying groundwork for new ones. Government data show the number of English-language STM journals published in China rose from 341 in 2019 to 477 by 2023, reflecting deliberate policy support for international visibility.
Phase II, formally launched in late 2024 following a September 2024 notice from the seven ministries, covers 2024–2028. It shifts emphasis toward an integrated ecosystem approach, combining individual journal support with cluster development, talent cultivation, and platform building. The goal is to position Chinese STM journals among the world's leading titles by 2035.
Phase II Structure and Funding Priorities
Phase II organizes support across five sub-projects: English-language individual journals, Chinese-language individual journals, high-starting-point new journals, cultivation of high-level journal operation talents, and cluster pilot projects. Funding totals approximately 1.2 billion RMB over five years, with tiered allocations designed to concentrate resources on titles with the greatest potential for global impact.
English Leading Journals receive up to 1.5 million RMB annually for five years. English Echelon Journals receive up to 500,000 RMB per year. A dedicated high-starting-point new journal category selected 70 titles in the most recent round, many of them English-language publications scheduled to debut in 2026. State-owned publishers also receive dedicated support to build scale.
University-Hosted Journals Driving the Expansion
Chinese universities play a central role as hosts and editors of the new titles. Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) secured three selections in the high-starting-point category. Space Energy and Environment, with chief editors including HIT Vice President Shuai Yong and Academician Yu Dengyun, is slated for launch in 2026. Intelligent Computing for Engineering, led by Academician Li Hui, follows the same timeline. These additions bring HIT's total supported English journals under the plan to seven.
Other institutions, including Tongji University and Central South University, have journals recognized in leading or echelon categories. University involvement ensures alignment with national research priorities in areas such as aerospace, materials science, energy, and engineering computing.
Impact on English-Language Publishing Volume and Quality
The acceleration of new English titles addresses a historical imbalance. English-language journals previously accounted for less than 10 percent of China's total STM output. Policy support has reversed this trend, with most of the 48 new titles added between 2022 and 2023 published in English.
Early results indicate that funded journals achieve competitive impact factors despite modest initial article volumes. The focus on high-starting-point new journals targets frontier disciplines, aiming to attract high-quality submissions from both domestic and international researchers.
Role of CAST and Inter-Ministerial Coordination
CAST serves as the primary implementing body, issuing calls, evaluating applications, and distributing resources. The seven-ministry structure ensures alignment with broader national strategies for scientific and technological self-reliance. This coordination extends to talent development programs that train journal editors and managers, addressing a recognized skills gap.
Cluster pilot projects encourage collaboration among journals and publishers, fostering economies of scale and shared platforms that smaller, independent titles have historically lacked.
Perspectives from the Academic Community
University administrators and researchers view the plan as an opportunity to retain high-quality Chinese research output domestically while enhancing global reach. Some observers note ongoing debates around selection criteria and the exclusion of certain established titles from Phase II support. Others highlight the potential for new journals to fill niche areas where international options remain limited.
PhD students and early-career academics stand to benefit from additional venues for publication that carry national backing and growing international recognition.
Challenges in Implementation and Global Context
Building sustainable editorial capacity and attracting consistent high-quality submissions remain key hurdles. The plan's emphasis on English-language titles also occurs amid broader discussions about open access models, article processing charges, and the balance between domestic and international publishing.
International observers track the initiative closely, noting its potential to reshape submission patterns and citation flows in STM fields.
Photo by Kilian Murphy on Unsplash
Future Outlook and Implications for Higher Education
With dozens of new English STM journals launching in 2026 and sustained funding through 2028, the Excellence Action Plan is poised to expand China's influence in global scholarly communication. Universities hosting these titles gain prestige and new avenues for research dissemination and collaboration.
For academics, administrators, and PhD-track professionals in China and abroad, the developments signal expanded opportunities for publication, editorial involvement, and engagement with nationally prioritized research areas. Continued monitoring of impact metrics and editorial practices will determine long-term success.
