Control Theory & Applications is a national academic journal supervised by the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China and jointly sponsored by South China University of Technology and the Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences. It publishes high-level academic papers in control theory and applications, particularly focusing on emerging issues, original methodologies, and cutting-edge technologies in systems control, optimization, and automation. The journal serves as a platform for scientists and engineers in the control field to exchange the latest research outcomes. Established in 1984, it is published monthly in A4 format and is publicly distributed both domestically and internationally.

The journal primarily reports theoretical research with novel concepts and ideas in system control science, along with their application outcomes in high-tech fields and technological development/transformation within national economic sectors. Key areas of coverage include:

1. System modeling, identification, and estimation

2. Data-driven modeling and control

3. Process control 

4. Intelligent control

5. Network control

6. Nonlinear system control

7. Stochastic system control

8. Predictive control

9. Multi-agent systems and distributed control

10. Robust and adaptive control

11. System optimization theory and algorithms

12. Hybrid systems and discrete event systems

13. Engineering control systems

14. Aerospace control systems

15. Control systems in emerging strategic industries

16. Game theory and social networks

17. Micro-nano and quantum systems

18. Pattern recognition and machine learning

19. Intelligent robotics

20. Application of advanced control theory in practical systems

21. Other significant issues in system control science

The target readership includes researchers, university faculty, students, and other professionals engaged in control theory and applications. The journal features columns such as Reviews & Commentaries, Full-Length Papers, Articles, Brief Papers, Book/Journal Reviews, Readers'Letters, and Information on Domestic & International Academic Events.