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China is now deeply involved in the process of globalization. It confronts conflicts, such as traditions versus modernization, internationalization versus localization, and Chinese values versus. universal values. China is more open to the outside world than ever. The authors’ survey of the Journal of International and Comparative Education Research reveals that Chinese comparative educators are turning the focus of their studies to try new paradigms in the context of globalization.

This chapter examines the development of a quality assurance system for undergraduate education as one aspect of the transformation of education policy in China. The central structure of the chapter is the process/stages of policy development and implementation, with particular attention to the changes over time in central control versus institutional autonomy. The Chinese government has moved to a “steering at a distance” approach with ex post accountability, giving institutions of higher education greater autonomy for undergraduate education. Government authority continues to be strong, however, even though the mechanisms of control have changed. This study provides an analysis of quality assurance in Chinese higher education and the changing relationship between government and campuses, using the lens of policy development and implementation.