This article discusses the globalization trend of "Chinese studies" since the 21st century and the international competition of Chinese narratives. It points out that Chinese scholars have misconceptions about Chinese studies and their research, including misunderstanding the nature of Chinese studies, misinterpreting overseas Chinese studies as self academic colonization, and narrowing down research paths. If these misconceptions are not identified and clarified, it may lead to overseas Chinese studies research going astray and unable to undertake the mission of promoting cultural exchange and mutual learning.

Is' Chinese Studies' an 'Internal Study' or an 'External Study'

Explored the question of whether "Chinese studies" should be regarded as "internal studies" or "external studies". With China's increasing status on the international stage, the domestic academic community has begun to focus on how to establish a discourse power that is commensurate with China's strength. Some argue for the localization of Chinese studies, emphasizing the construction of "local Chinese studies" based on China's national conditions; Some argue that a "New Era Chinese Studies" should be established to meet the needs of the times; There is also a view that "Chinese studies" should be returned to China, and the mainstream narrative about China should be established with the Chinese people's own words. However, in history, the term 'Chinese studies' originated from the translation of Chinese scholars, specifically referring to the study of China outside the domain, and never included the research conducted by Chinese scholars on China. Since the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China, Chinese scholars have regarded China studies conducted outside of their own country as a distinct field of study. Although the exchange of Chinese studies between China and foreign countries has become increasingly close since the 21st century, scholars' academic research is closely related to the political, ideological, and cultural environment in which they live. Although there is some "integration" between Chinese and foreign studies, the "difference" between China and foreign studies still exists. In recent years, some scholars have proposed to collectively refer to "overseas Chinese studies" and domestic re research on overseas Chinese studies as "world Chinese studies". However, "Chinese studies" and "Chinese studies research" actually have their own meanings and completely different attributes, and cannot be used interchangeably.

Does overseas Chinese studies have academic value

There are misunderstandings, mistranslations of Chinese historical materials, disconnection between history and reality of China, lack of personal experience leading to cognitive biases, and influence from Western centric theories and discourse in overseas Chinese studies research, which have led to doubts about its academic value in the domestic academic community. However, overseas Chinese studies research is not entirely without value. Chinese scholars have an internal perspective, while Chinese scholars outside the region have an external perspective, each with its own advantages and limitations. Misunderstanding is not entirely negative, sometimes it can prompt us to look at problems from a new perspective. Overseas Chinese studies is a knowledge system with objectivity, and should not be simply equated with ideologization. During the colonial period of the 19th century, there was still rigorous Sinology research. Overseas Chinese studies have heterogeneity in local Chinese research and have had a positive impact on the transformation and development of Chinese academia since the late Qing Dynasty. Overseas Chinese studies are an important driving force for the development of Chinese academia, providing a perspective for self reflection. Overseas Chinese studies can help deepen the understanding of China's knowledge, thought and civilization's globalization process, enrich the understanding of Chinese civilization and Chinese path to modernization, and provide stimulation and mirror learning for self research. In the exchange and mutual learning of civilizations, the study of Chinese studies abroad injects ideological and cultural strength into the prosperity of world civilization, which is the mission of Chinese scholars in this era.

Is there an inherent conflict between the three 'Chinese paradigms' and overseas Chinese studies

Chinese scholars have put forward proposals such as "local Chinese studies" aimed at strengthening self narrative and promoting the globalization of Chinese voices. Since the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China, research on China outside the region has developed rapidly, and Chinese knowledge production has become an international competitive field. Faced with competition from others, Chinese scholars should regain the center of Sinology. However, Chinese scholars have become "speechless" in international competition due to the fact that during the academic transformation of late Qing and early Republic of China, scholars tended to follow the Western trend and seek knowledge from outside the country, resulting in a loss of academic autonomy and discourse power, and forming a "Sinological mentality". In order to break away from the "Sinological mentality", Chinese scholars need to think and understand China from the perspective of Chinese historical logic, present a Chinese perspective and position in universal and global issues, and construct a "China centered" "Chinese independent knowledge system". The 'Chinese paradigm' is not purely 'self-centered', but requires an awareness of openness, inclusiveness, competition, and mutual learning in the study of China outside the domain. To build a "Chinese paradigm" with explanatory and enveloping power, it is necessary to engage in exchanges and dialogues with Chinese studies outside the region, rather than abandoning it like a pawn. It is their mutual interaction that makes it possible for us to construct a "Chinese paradigm" with rich explanatory and enveloping power in the process of "integrating China and foreign countries".