What’s behind China’s historically high counts of corresponding authors?

China saw a significant increase in papers with multiple corresponding authors between 2016 and 2020, with nearly one-third of its publications featuring this structure. This trend, which deviates from the global norm of single corresponding authors, has been attributed to a "publish or perish" culture and a policy environment that incentivized quantity over quality in academic output. The system often rewarded researchers for being listed as a corresponding author, leading to multiple individuals claiming this role to maximize their publication credits and career advancement. However, this practice has drawn criticism for potentially inflating author counts and obscuring individual contributions. In response to these concerns, Chinese authorities have implemented policy reforms aimed at curbing this trend. These reforms, introduced in recent years, are expected to lead to a decrease in the number of papers with multiple corresponding authors. The Ministry of Science and Technology, among other bodies, has been instrumental in pushing for these changes, emphasizing the importance of genuine contribution and academic integrity. The long-term impact of these reforms on China's scientific publishing landscape is anticipated to align more closely with international standards, fostering a more meritocratic and transparent research environment.