Over the last 40 years China has experienced unprecedented economic growth. This economic success has lifted millions out of poverty, but has also brought novel challenges to the ruling Communist Party. Within this seminar we take a look at a selection of challenges resulting from China’s economic rise. We look into challenges arising within China, but also into selected international ones. We approach the challenges by first looking at how they have been discussed in Western media. Starting from there we look ‘behind the curtain’ to analyse the topics and debates more in-depth in the context of China’s economic rise and relevant economic theories. To attend this class you do not need ex ante knowledge about China. You should, however, be willing to read texts in English language. Apart from reading, participants of the seminar are expected to prepare inputs for the seminar and to participate in class discussion. The seminar is evaluated by students answering multiple choice and open questions in a written exam.