China’s significance for current world politics is undeniable. In light of this, it is important to look back to the beginning of this great power‘s rise, which began after Mao Zedong’s death in 1976. China‘s development is analysed from the German perspective. This project is therefore focussed on the German perception of processes in China under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping and on German politics towards China. The main emphasis will lie on the Federal Republic; but as the GDR since 1980 also again drew nearer to China, East German-Chinese relations will also be included. Research questions pertain to the assessment of chances, risks and encumbrances of German-Chinese relations. The investigation period starts in the year 1976 and ends with China’s accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in 2001.