Over recent years knowledge production on China has declined, as researchers face mounting constraints both within China and in their countries of residence. Restricted access, pressure on collaborators, and the growing politicisation of research environments have all contributed to a reduction in the availability and quality of empirical data, particularly on sensitive topics. As a result, scholars, policymakers, and the wider public are left with a more limited and less reliable evidence base for understanding developments in China.

These pressures arise from a combination of state and non-state actors, as well as broader political dynamics shaping research environments globally. Addressing them will require stronger protections for academic freedom, increased support for independent research, and policies that safeguard open and critical inquiry. Ensuring robust knowledge production remains essential for evidence-based policymaking and informed public debate.