Existing literature has looked at many factors that shape Chinese pension reforms. As China’s pension reform proceeds in an expanding and localizing fashion, this book argues that there is an urgent need to examine it in the context of China’s political institution and economic transformations.

1. Introduction: Learning about China through its Pension Reforms 2. Explaining Pension Reform in China: The Relevance of Welfare State Development Theories 3. Political Institutions, Economic Conditions, and Pension Policy in China: A Theoretical Argument 4. Research Methodology: How do we Study China (And its Pension System) 5. The Economic Story: How does the Chinese Pension System Help Economic Growth Through Skill Formation and Labour Retention 6. The Political Story: How do Chinese Political Institutions Shape the Pension System? 7. Conclusion: Economic Rebalancing and the Future of China’s Pension System