This innovative textbook offers a fresh, thematic approach to understanding contemporary Chinese politics, moving beyond conventional narratives to provide students with both analytical frameworks and practical skills for navigating China's complex political landscape.

Combining rigorous scholarship with an accessible pedagogical design, the book equips students to critically engage with the political structures, debates, and global implications of China's governance system in an era defined by algorithmic information flows, media uncertainty, and shifting geopolitical tensions. Key Features include: . Case studies with global relevance that facilitate comparative analysis . Interactive simulation activities that bring theoretical concepts to life . AI-Check exercises developing critical evaluation of machine-generated content . Digital literacy tools for assessing information quality and media bias . "Apply Your Knowledge" sections connecting theory to practice . A comprehensive glossary of Chinese political terminology.

This volume requires no prior knowledge of Chinese politics, making it ideal for undergraduate and postgraduate students in International Relations, Politics, Asian Studies, Security Studies, and related disciplines. It also serves as an invaluable resource for instructors new to teaching Chinese politics.

Chi Zhang is an Assistant Professor in Politics and International Studies (East Asia) at the University of Warwick. Her research focuses on security governance, digital activism, and state-society relations in China, with particular attention to nationalism, gender, and authoritarian resilience. She has published in International Feminist Journal of Politics and Journal of Contemporary China.