Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p> Using Chinese listed firms from 2000–2020, this study shows that firms’ nationalist rhetoric is positively associated with green patenting. This relationship is mainly driven by action-oriented nationalism rather than identity-based nationalism. Employing an instrumental-variable approach and the U.S.–China trade war as an exogenous shock, we establish causal evidence. Further analyses indicate that action-oriented nationalist firms respond more strongly to China’s green credit guidelines and are rewarded with lower taxes and greater access to government procurement. The effect is stronger in greener policy environments, more competitive markets, state-owned enterprises, and firms led by environmentally aware CEOs. <bold>JEL Codes</bold> : F52; G38; O32 </p>