Fig. 3: Interactions among different SDG categories and the goals that significantly affect different interactions in China.

A Partial axes: Interactions among different SDG categories in 2015. B Correlation circle: Goals that significantly influence interactions among different SDG categories in 2015. C Partial axes: Interactions among different SDG categories in 2018. D Correlation circle: Goals that can significantly influence interactions among different SDG categories in 2018. The partial axes reflect the principal components of different data groups in the global principal component analysis, which indicate general characteristics of interaction across the three SDG categories. Correlation circles reveal the SDGs that have a significant effect in each category. Among the three SDG categories, “Essential Needs” consists of SDG2 (Zero Hunger), SDG6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG15 (Life on Land); “Objectives” includes SDG1 (No Poverty), SDG3 (Health and Well-Being), SDG4 (Quality Education), SDG5 (Gender Equality), SDG8 (Decent Job and Economic Growth), SDG10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions); “Governance” includes SDG9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG12 (Responsible Production and Consumption), SDG13 (Climate Action) and SDG17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Please note that SDG14 (Life below Water) is not considered in this assessment.