This study used causal diagnosis and network analysis to examine spatio-temporal changes in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) interactions in China (2000-2020). A significant offsetting effect was observed, with approximately 27% of trade-offs shifting to synergies and 25% of synergies shifting to trade-offs. Prioritizing high-frequency indicators in virtuous cycles was identified as a strategy to maximize positive systemic effects. Controlling transitions from passive to active relations in trade-off networks remains a challenge.

Min Cao, Min Chen, Junze Zhang, Prajal Pradhan, Huadong Guo, Bojie Fu, Yue Li, Yuying Bai, Lijiao Chang, Yu Chen, Zhongchang Sun, Zhenci Xu, Rui Zhu, Michael E. Meadows, Guonian Lü