This panel addresses China’s evolving role as a global great power in the fields of peacekeeping and conflict resolution, global health, global green growth, as well as global technology. Based on Chinese-language primary sources, it tries to open the black box of the Chinese party-state and to understand the strategic calculations behind Beijing’s quest for technological innovation and standard setting (“China Standards 2035”). Furthermore, it traces China’s role and strategic positioning in the global Covid-19 pandemic and its refined branding strategy before the backdrop of recently emerging increasingly negative China images. Moreover, the panel will address the global implications and repercussions of China’s turn to green development and renewable (green) energy. Case studies include recent transformations of China’s engagement with Africa and the Middle East.