Although it is often said that globalization enriches the rich and impoverishes the poor and therefore causes inequality, the reality seems to be much more complex. Firstly the aggravation of inequality in the world has not been proven; it all depends what inequalities are meant and how they are measured. Secondly, the impact of globalization on inequality is somewhat ambiguous both theoretically and empirically. The only thing that is sure is that China is playing a key role in these developments.