Resilience reemerged in sustainable development goals: A perspective on easing COVID-19 restrictions in China

In the post-pandemic era, sustainable development goals (SDGs) have evolved into resilient and adaptive systems, responding dynamically to the impacts of the pandemic and its associated restrictions. This study assessed SDG performance in China using a framework based on 13 pandemic-related goals and 47 indicators. Data were collected from 1027 participants across 220 cities and 30 provinces during three stages, defined by key policy changes. Results show that SDG 3 and 16 were most impacted at the outset and SDG 16 recovered significantly after the infection wave subsided. 32 indicators improved after initial declines, and 81.82% of trade-off indicator pairs during the first infection wave—primarily between economic development SDGs (i.e. SDG 1, 8, 11) and government policy SDGs (i.e. SDG 3, 4, 16)—transitioned to synergies. This suggests a reemergence of SDG resilience after the initial pandemic impact. Regions with lower economic development exhibit greater vulnerability in SDG performance. Women, low-income individuals, and residents of medium-to small-sized cities tend to show lower SDG performance. The study also highlights a shift in public focus from immediate physiological needs to self-development needs. This shift underscores the importance of adaptive strategies in achieving SDGs in the face of abrupt policy changes. • Sustainable development goals rebound after restriction easing in China. • Trade-offs among indicators have almost all transformed into synergies. • Government policy goals and economic development goals reinforce each other. • People's focus has shifted from physiological needs to self-development needs.