Will the 21st century be the Chinese century? Economics correspondent Paul Solman examines the rise of China as a global economic power—and the challenges that lie before it—in this timely collection of NewsHour reports.

The episodes are…

• China’s Growing Economy: This segment spotlights the freewheeling Chinese economy—and its growing pains

• The Chinese Consumer: This segment seeks to understand Chinese consumers and how both Wal-Mart and high-end boutiques are catering to them

• The Cult of Mao Zedong: This segment illustrates how the idealism and enthusiasm of the early Mao years is influencing China’s emerging free market economy

• Misinvestment in China: This segment sheds light on the Chinese government’s notably opaque investment practices and the failing Shanghai Stock Exchange

• Interview with Cheng Siwei: In this segment, China’s “father of venture capital” speaks on economic relations with the U.S., foreign investment, textile exports, and the revaluation of the yuan

• Piracy Explored: This segment investigates piracy of foreign intellectual property rights in China, using Viagra as a case in point

• Bumps in the Road?: This segment seriously questions whether China’s economy can continue to grow at its incredible pace without major political reform

(77 minutes)