The Global China Pulse invites submissions for a special issue planned for July 2025 that will explore the experiences, challenges, and innovations in conducting field research on China’s global presence. ‘Global China’ is defined broadly as various forms of Chinese presence across the world—via capital, migration, infrastructure, and cultural exchanges. Conducting field research on Global China often presents unique challenges, including navigating the complexities of political sensitivities, power imbalances, and cross-cultural communication. Researchers may encounter difficulties accessing informants or data in environments where trust is hard to build or where Chinese actors operate within contested or opaque networks. Furthermore, fieldworkers must grapple with their positionality, negotiating their roles as insiders or outsiders in various research contexts. These challenges highlight the need for reflective, adaptable, and innovative methodological strategies.

We welcome essays that address topics including but not limited to:

• Research Methods: Navigating methodological challenges, including access, ethics, and positionality in researching Chinese actors and institutions abroad.
• Global Dynamics: Field research examining Chinese capital, businesses, infrastructure projects, diaspora communities, and cultural exchanges.
• Fieldwork Experiences: Personal reflections on adapting to field conditions, managing power dynamics, or overcoming obstacles in diverse research settings.
• Theoretical Contributions: Insights into how fieldwork informs theoretical understandings of “Global China” and its multifaceted global presence.

Submission Details: Pitches of up to 300 words should be submitted by 30 January 2025. Full manuscripts, upon acceptance, will be due by 16 March 2025. Please send your abstracts and inquiries to editors[at]madeinchinajournal[dot]com .