After completing his studies in International Relations and Economics in St. Gallen, a crucial question arose for Joerg Hoehn: Should he pursue a career in Brussels or with one of the European institutions like most of his peers? After all, it was an exciting time. The EU’s eastward expansion had just taken place, and the dynamics he experienced during a year of study at the College of Europe in Poland impressed him greatly. But there was also his growing enthusiasm for another country. Since a backpacking trip after high school, his interest in China had steadily grown. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offered a graduate program with language courses for non-sinologists. The decision to go to Beijing was made quickly. It marked the beginning of twelve exciting years in the People’s Republic.