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China Bans Funding for High-Fee Western Journal Publications

3/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has barred its scientists from using government funds to publish in high-fee Western journals, including Cell Reports and Nature Communications.
The policy aims to optimize academic publishing management and curb costs tied to article processing charges that enable open access.
The move was announced just before the Chinese New Year and reflects China's reevaluation of its investment in foreign academic prestige.

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Story summary

The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has barred its scientists from using government funds to publish in high-fee Western journals, including Cell Reports and Nature Communications.
The policy aims to optimize academic publishing management and curb costs tied to article processing charges that enable open access.
The move was announced just before the Chinese New Year and reflects China's reevaluation of its investment in foreign academic prestige.