Toward Global Excellence: Two Decades of Exploration at CJIP and Beyond

The twentieth anniversary of The Chinese Journal of International Politics (CJIP) offers an opportunity to reflect on its evolution and achievements, while also looking forward to its continued growth and contributions to the field of International Relations (IR). Founded in 2005 by Professor Yan Xuetong and publishing its inaugural issue in 2006, the journal was established with the vision that China’s IR community could make meaningful theoretical contributions through upholding universal scholarly standards and actively engaging with the global academia. CJIP’s core mission is to foster theoretical innovation, particularly through the analysis of China’s external relations and the integration of ancient Chinese and East Asian thought with contemporary practices. Over the years, the journal has solidified its reputation as a key platform for intellectual exchange between China and the rest of the world. Its influential publications have spurred significant efforts to develop, test, and refine IR theories by synthesizing East Asian historical and contemporary experiences with broader perspectives. This has led to the development of some innovative theories, such as Moral Realism and Relational Theory. Looking ahead, CJIP will focus on prominent themes, including the great power competition in the digital age, the evolving transition of the international order, and the ongoing development of leader-level and middle-range theories through cross-regional comparisons. At the same time, the journal remains committed to its role as a bridge for inclusive global academic dialog.