It takes only the most cursory glance over the tables of contents of the top jouals in plant biology to recognize that plant biology research in China is not only of the highest caliber, but is growing rapidly. Support for plant science in China is generous and is increasing, and Chinese plant biologists have joined those from other countries in producing some of the most exciting and innovative research. When I was given an opportunity to participate in the launching of a new English-language joual, the decision to take this assignment was an easy one. The time was clearly right to initiate an English-language joual with its home in China, with an inteational editorial board, and with the highest standards.The joual was launched with the enthusiastic support of Oxford University Press and eventually named Molecular Plant.