Lai, Qi2019-09-252019-09-252010-02-202008http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12424/173894Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become a worldwide demand. The globalization and social development appeal to all corporations, big or small, local or international, to take their corporate social responsibility into account by improving the social and environmental performance. Not only Transnational Corporations (TNCs) but also Small and Medium- Sized Enterprises (SMEs) have to face the challenge, including Chinese SMEs. Ever since China carried out the economic system reform and opening up policies in 1978, SMEs have been sprouting and thriving all over China. This article analyses and identifies the current economic and CSR situation of SMEs in China. SMEs are indispensable for China’s rapid economic development. However, they need to improve their CSR practice and need to have more consciousness of the social responsibility they should shoulder. This article investigates the barriers and driving forces for Chinese SMEs to undertake CSR. In order to encourage Chinese SMEs to engage in CSR activities, it is not enough to just make use of the driving forces; different barriers have to be overcome in order to turn challenges into opportunities. TNCs, the Chinese government, international organizations and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are important actors driving CSR forward. Their joint efforts are important to promote CSR among Chinese SMEs. This article takes examples of different actors and analyses their different functions and different approaches.engWith permission of the license/copyright holderresponsibilityjustice, socialsocial ethicsEconomic ethicsBusiness ethicsPreprint