EVENTS

19^th All India Conference of China Studies (AICCS), 2026

The 19^th All India Conference of China Studies (AICCS) is scheduled from 28-30 October 2026

Background and Rationale

The All India Conference of China Studies (AICCS), convened annually by the Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) since 2006, is a flagship platform for advancing research and dialogue on China in India. It brings together scholars, practitioners, and students across disciplines to engage with evolving trajectories in China’s domestic transformations and global engagements. Over the past two decades, China Studies in India has witnessed significant expansion in terms of institutional presence, interdisciplinary approaches, and access to primary sources. At the same time, rapid changes within China and in the global order, economic restructuring, political consolidation, technological transformation, and shifting geopolitical alignments; have generated new questions and research agendas. The 19^th AICCS seeks to consolidate these developments by combining a reflection on the state of the field, a platform for new research, and a focused engagement with emerging themes shaping India–China relations and the Global South.

Conference Structure

The Conference will be organised into three components:

Part I: China Studies- State of the Field

This component reflects on the evolution of China Studies globally and in India, focusing on emerging directions, methodological innovations, and shifts in knowledge production.

Sub-themes:

• Global trends in China Studies 
• China Studies in India: trajectories and challenges 
• Language, archives, and methodological innovations 
• Interdisciplinary and comparative approaches 
• Rethinking theoretical frameworks in China Studies 
• Social Development in China

Part II: New Research on China in India

This section provides a platform for scholars, particularly early-career researchers and doctoral candidates, to present original research across diverse themes in China Studies.

Sub-themes:

• Domestic politics, governance, and the Party-state 
• Political economy, development, and inequality
• Society, culture, and identity transformations 
• Environment, sustainability, and resource governance
• Science, technology, and innovation in China
• Foreign policy, strategy, and security
• China in regional and global governance
• Health, Education, Women's Development, Population trends, Urban-Rural Issues, Migrant labour

Part III: Special Theme

AI, Emerging Technologies, and Ethics in the Global South: India–China Dynamics

Technological transformations are increasingly reshaping global power structures, governance models, and normative frameworks. In this context, India-China relations are entering a new phase where emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and advanced computing, are central to both competition and cooperation. At the same time, these developments raise broader questions for the Global South concerning technological dependency, digital sovereignty, and ethical governance. This special theme will examine these dynamics as a focused segment within the broader conference.

Sub-themes:

• Technology and shifting configurations of power
• AI, data governance, and digital sovereignty
• Competing regulatory and governance models
• Digital infrastructure, dependency, and Global South engagements
• Strategic autonomy and techno-geopolitics
• Ethical questions: labour, security, surveillance, and justice

Call for Papers

The Institute of Chinese Studies invites abstracts and panel proposals for AICCS 2026 from scholars, researchers, and practitioners working on China and related themes.

Submission Categories:

• Individual Papers (for Thematic Sessions) 
• Panel Proposals (3-4 papers to be proposed by the Panel Convenor who will Chair the Panel, and a discussant (optional))
• Roundtable Proposals (to be proposed by a Convenor - for focused discussions)

Abstract Guidelines:

• Extended Abstracts (2000 words) should clearly identify the research question/s, state the methodology, and outline key argument/s
• Panel proposals should include a panel abstract (500–700 words) and individual paper abstracts
• Submissions must specify the relevant Conference Part (I, II, or III)

Submission Deadlines and Timeline

• Release of Concept Note & Call for Papers: 13^th May 2026
• Last Date for Submission of Abstracts: 25^th May 2026
• Notification of Acceptance: 6^th June 2026
• Submission of Full Papers (for selected participants): 6^th July 2026
• Conference Dates: 28-30^th October 2026

Submission Details

• Submissions should be sent to: aiccs.ics@gmail.com
• Subject line: AICCS 2026 Submission – [Name] – Part I/II/III

Conference Format and Award

The conference will include Thematic Panels, Special and Invited Panels, and Roundtables. As in previous editions, the Mira Sinha-Bhattacharjea Award will be conferred to the best paper presented by a young scholar under the age of 40. It comprises a cash award of INR 25,000. The selection will be based on the quality of argumentation, methodological rigour, and presentation. The award-winning paper will also be considered for publication by ICS.