Chinese research papers surpass global citation average, signalling academic growth

According to the findings, over the past decade, Chinese research papers have been cited an average of 16.20 times each, surpassing the global average of 15.76 for the first time.

Researchers in China have achieved a significant milestone as their international publications now receive citations that exceed the global average. This development was highlighted in a recent report by the Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China, released on Friday by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

According to the findings, over the past decade, Chinese research papers have been cited an average of 16.20 times each, surpassing the global average of 15.76 for the first time. This notable achievement underscores the growing impact of Chinese academia on the global research landscape.

The report reveals that fields such as materials science, engineering technology, chemistry, environmental and ecological studies, computer science, agricultural science, and mathematics have garnered the highest citation rates from international scholars. In 2023 alone, it was noted that over 40 per cent of citations for Chinese papers originated from countries outside of China, reflecting the global reach of their research.

India was identified as the leading nation in terms of citation frequency, followed closely by the United States and the Republic of Korea. This trend signifies a shift in the global research dynamics, with Chinese contributions gaining recognition across borders.

The increased citation rates in key scientific disciplines such as materials science, chemistry, physics, and environmental science further affirm the quality and relevance of Chinese research. As the nation continues to enhance its scientific capabilities, it positions itself as a formidable player in the global academic community, fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange.