In parallel to its domestic economic boom, China has also been growing as an international actor and as a ‘Rising Power’ in global development. This introduction outlines the need for further understanding of China's own development experience, its increasing involvement in development activities in low- and middle-income countries, and its growing engagement in global governance structures. The articles highlighted contribute valuable expertise and insight from both Chinese and non-Chinese perspectives, to map the shifting landscape of China's engagement in global development, and contribute to mutual understanding between traditional donors and rising powers in development cooperation.