Research and development in tectonics stand at the forefront of geosciences, establishing critical frameworks for understanding Earth' s dynamic processes. The evolution of international tectonic concepts progressed from the geosyncline- platform theory in the early 20th century, through models of continental drift and oceanic floor spreading, culminating in the establishment of the plate tectonics theory in the 1960s. Chinese tectonic studies followed a similar trajectory, initially rooted in the Geosyncline- Platform hypothesis. Subsequently, various additional theories emerged, such as geomechanics, Diwa, Bolang- Xiangqian, multiple- cycle, and fault block hypotheses. With the introduction of plate tectonics, Chinese geologists largely adopted it as the primary model, leading to significant advancements in understanding the tectonic framework and evolution of the Chinese continent. Although the accuracy of specific models may vary, Chinese tectonic studies have made substantial progress, contributing systematic insights within the plate tectonics paradigm. However, these advancements, while aligned with general or specific global tectonic trends, have yet to provide definitive or distinct contributions to broader global tectonic theory, particularly in resolving key issues regarding the formation and evolution of global tectonics. These challenges include fundamental questions about the relationship between plate tectonics and continental tectonics, the processes driving continental evolution, and the mechanisms behind supercontinental formation and breakup- issues of ongoing concern to geologists worldwide. Even within the context of Chinese continental tectonics, debates persist regarding its unique versus universal characteristics within the global tectonic framework. These unresolved issues are pivotal for future research. In this paper, we argue that the development of Chinese tectonics cannot be fully resolved through plate tectonics alone. Future studies should integrate global tectonic principles, considering the fundamental and natural features of Earth' s structure. Moreover, it is essential to consider the role of both plate tectonics and intracontinental tectonics, asserting that global tectonics encompasses more than just plate boundaries; it must also include intracontinental and transcontinental dynamics.