China is an emerging world superpower ruled by a communist regime. It is currently the world’s second largest economy, has the largest standing army in the world, and is an increasingly consequential power in international affairs. Whatever developments occur in Chinese politics are bound to affect Australia along with the whole Asia-Pacific region. This course aims to introduce students to the politics and government of contemporary China. Part one examines China’s political history from the collapse of the imperial Chinese system to the present day. Part two explores China’s current political system, focusing especially on the main players, the policy-making process and the role of the military. Part three examines major challenging issues in China’s current domestic politics and foreign relations.