Overview
This advanced course examines China's integration into the global economy through trade, investment, supply chains, technology, and digital platforms. It connects reform-era growth and WTO participation with contemporary manufacturing networks, the Belt and Road Initiative, regional trade agreements, and China's transition toward innovation- and consumption-driven development.
Students analyze comparative advantage, trade policy, tariffs, industrial policy, foreign direct investment, global value chains, logistics, ports, cross-border e-commerce, platform ecosystems, mobile payments, fintech, artificial intelligence, data governance, cybersecurity, intellectual property, and digital sovereignty. The course evaluates labor and sustainability implications, geopolitical competition, regulatory differences, and the opportunities and risks confronting firms operating across borders.
Through empirical exercises, case analysis, structured debate, and research, students interpret trade and economic indicators, map cross-border supply chains, assess platform business models, compare regulatory environments, evaluate policy impacts, and construct evidence-based arguments concerning China's global commercial role.
Learning Outcomes
- Analyze China's changing role in global trade, investment, production, and digital commerce using relevant economic and business indicators.
- Interpret trade, investment, and supply-chain data to identify patterns, risks, and strategic implications.
- Map a cross-border supply chain and evaluate its exposure to logistics, regulatory, geopolitical, labor, and sustainability risks.
- Assess the business models, competitive strategies, and international expansion of major Chinese digital platforms and technology sectors.
- Evaluate the effects of tariffs, industrial policy, trade agreements, data governance, cybersecurity regulation, and intellectual property rules on international firms.
- Compare regulatory and commercial environments across China and selected international markets.
- Synthesize evidence from academic, commercial, policy, and statistical sources to construct defensible arguments about China's global economic position.
- Develop an international business strategy that responds to China's commercial opportunities, institutional constraints, and geopolitical risks.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Tutorial | 1 hour | Weekly | All semester |
| Workshop | 2 hours | Fortnightly | All semester |
| Seminar | 2 hours | Fortnightly | All semester |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Trade and economic indicator analysis | 15.00% |
| Assignment | Policy briefs (2 × 10%) | 20.00% |
| Assignment | Company and platform case analysis | 15.00% |
| Tutorial | Structured debate | 10.00% |
| Deliverable | Cross-border supply chain exercise | 10.00% |
| Capstone | Final international business strategy research project | 30.00% |
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.