This paper explores
how China, as an authoritarian regime, has strategically utilized its private
sector to enhance its global image by aligning with Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs). While much of the existing research on state-business relations
in China emphasizes state control, this paper sheds light on the often-overlooked
symbiotic relationship between the government and private companies. The
interplay between state mandates and corporate innovation not only enhances
financial performance, as reflected in companies’ equity market valuations, but
also elevates China’s global reputation. Drawing on Environmental, Social, and
Governance (ESG) reports from the top 100 Chinese semiconductor companies, this
analysis highlights the role of corporate sustainability efforts in bolstering
the country’s global standing. Case studies of firms like SMIC and BYD
illustrate the significant advantages of aligning with SDGs, emphasizing the
crucial role of China’s “whole-nation system” in promoting sustainable
technological advancement. This analysis provides a fresh perspective on the rapid
expansion of China’s tech sector and highlights the more nuanced and
interdependent relationship between the state and private enterprise.
