China International Studies is an academic journal sponsored by the China Institute of International Studies. Since its founding in May 1959, it has been one of the earliest academic journals on international issues in China. In the early days of its founding, it received strong support from the central leadership. Comrade Zhang Wentian suggested the establishment of the journal to publish research results and supported the takeover of the International Issues Translation Series to introduce foreign research articles. Vice Premier and Foreign Minister Chen Yi and Executive Vice Minister Zhang Wentian both made important instructions on this, and Vice Premier Chen Yi also wrote the title of the journal in person. As a part-time editorial board member, Qiao Guanhua gave great concern and meticulous guidance to the planning and content of the journal.
In May 1959, China International Studies published three trial issues and then officially published the first issue. However, in 1960, due to economic difficulties, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs decided to temporarily suspend the publication of the journal. In 1961, Vice Premier Chen Yi instructed to resume publication of the journal and changed it to a bimonthly journal. In July 1962, International Issues Studies was republished and issued until it was suspended again in March 1966.
After the Cultural Revolution, China International Studies resumed publication as a quarterly in July 1981. In order to adapt to the evolution of the international situation and meet the needs of researchers, experts, scholars and readers interested in international issues, the journal was adjusted from a quarterly to a bimonthly in January 2000 to better serve the academic community and the public.