Sustainability in Tandem: Navigating the Dual Jurisdictions of ESG Across Mainland China and Hong Kong amid Outbound Expansion

Abstract

This study explores the evolution of the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) regulatory frameworks of Mainland China and Hong Kong with a focus on their implications for Chinese companies’ outbound expansion. While Mainland China’s ESG development is driven by government policies and top-down mandates, Hong Kong adopted a market-oriented model that aligns closely with global standards. Through a comparative review of ESG regulations and qualitative case studies, most notably Geely Automobile Holdings Limited, this study demonstrates how companies strategically navigate the tension between domestic compliance and international ESG requirements. The findings highlight the critical role of dual adaptation, wherein firms comply with both Mainland China’s policy mandates and global market-driven ESG norms, fostering resource consolidation. By examining the regulatory differences between Mainland China and Hong Kong, this study also provides key public policy implications for improving cross-border ESG coordination. The results highlight that regulatory harmonization and effective stakeholder engagement mechanisms between the two jurisdictions play a crucial role in fostering sustainable business practices, enhancing the global competitiveness of Chinese firms, and strengthening policy consistency. Keywords: ESG regulations; Mainland China; Hong Kong; outbound expansion; sustainability