Yu Xiao
Florida State University

Aaron Ley
University of Rhode Island

Ping Xu
University of Rhode Island

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Using bibliometric and social network analyses of 326 articles published in 20 high-impact political science journals from 2000 to 2025, we trace the field’s expansion, identify key thematic concentrations, and document the emergence of robust international collaboration patterns. Cross-national co-authorship networks reveal a clear transition from a fragmented, Western-centered structure to a dual-hub system anchored by Mainland China and the United States, while institution-level networks show that leading Chinese universities have become central collaborators and Hong Kong institutions continue to serve as critical bridges. These patterns illustrate how China policy research has moved from peripheral observation to active co-production of policy-relevant knowledge, demonstrating the critical role of structured international collaboration in generating high-quality, theoretically consequential, and globally relevant scholarship. By highlighting the infrastructure, mechanisms, and partnerships that support this co-production, our study underscores how collaborative networks enable scholars to address complex transnational policy challenges and maintain scholarly engagement even amid geopolitical tensions. Finally, we discuss practical pathways for strengthening field-building through conferences, professional associations (e.g., CAAPA, CPSG), and international- facing publication platforms, offering lessons for fostering sustainable global research collaboration in public policy more broadly.

Keywords: China Policy Studies, International Collaboration, Bibliometric Analysis, Scientific Collaboration, Institutional Collaboration