This book examines the transformation of the Chinese developmental state (DS) into a transnational DS. Focusing on overseas special economic zones (OSEZs), a program that was designed to assist mostly small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to “go global”, the book assesses how OSEZs became part of the Chinese leadership’s continued endeavor to foster growth and industrial transformation, feeding naturally into the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It goes on to investigate how globalization and integration into the world economy, as well as the narrowing of the developmental gap between China and advanced economies, have forced the DS to adapt its strategy and industrial policies. Revealing how OSEZs act as part of the Chinese DS' endeavor to steer economic activity, this book will be a valuable resource to students and scholars of Chinese politics and economics.