This subject is concerned with the historical complexities during the period between the establishment of the People's Republic in 1949 and up to the present day. It will equally focus on the Mao Zedong era (1949-1976) and on the post-1976 period, which saw the adoption and implementation of an "open-door" policy, and the launch of the "Four Modernisations". Due attention will also be paid to the Xi Jinping era (2012-present). We will explore a wide range of social and political issues that have a bearing on China's future as a potential world leader in the twenty-first century.