Scientific journals on the rise

English-language publications see China boost international standing

Research published in English-language scientific journals from China has played a key role in the global fight against COVID-19. But to become more competitive globally, the Chinese scientific publishing industry needs more dedicated resources and editorial employees and also needs to explore new business models and international collaboration, experts said.

On Feb 18 last year, Zhang Boli, president of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, published a paper that was considered "the first ray of light" against COVID-19 by Chinese front-line medical workers, giving the nation much-needed hope and confidence as it grappled with the ravaging epidemic.

The paper, co-authored with experts from the Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, analyzed clinical records of 52 patients collected from Jan 15 to Feb 8 in Wuhan, Hubei province. It found that integrating TCM and Western medicines when treating COVID-19 patients could improve their recovery rate and reduce the risk of a patient becoming severely ill.