This study examines the trends and drivers of anthropogenic NOx emissions in China from 2020 to 2022, using satellite observations and atmospheric inversion techniques. Despite increased fossil fuel consumption, China's NOx emissions showed a consistent decline during this period, with reductions of 2.7% in 2020, 3.5% in 2021, and 7.6% in 2022. The decline was primarily driven by reductions in the transport sector, which accounted for 68.9% of the total reduction in 2020 due to COVID-19 lockdowns. In 2021 and 2022, the industry and transport sectors contributed significantly to the emissions reduction, influenced by stringent air pollution control measures. The study also highlights the spatial heterogeneity in emission changes across provinces, with high industrialization and population density areas showing more substantial reductions. The findings underscore the effectiveness of China's clean air policies and provide a valuable reference for other countries facing similar challenges. However, the study acknowledges limitations, such as the simplification of the nonlinear relationship between NOx emissions and NO2 columns, and the need for further improvements in the inversion system to address these issues.This study examines the trends and drivers of anthropogenic NOx emissions in China from 2020 to 2022, using satellite observations and atmospheric inversion techniques. Despite increased fossil fuel consumption, China's NOx emissions showed a consistent decline during this period, with reductions of 2.7% in 2020, 3.5% in 2021, and 7.6% in 2022. The decline was primarily driven by reductions in the transport sector, which accounted for 68.9% of the total reduction in 2020 due to COVID-19 lockdowns. In 2021 and 2022, the industry and transport sectors contributed significantly to the emissions reduction, influenced by stringent air pollution control measures. The study also highlights the spatial heterogeneity in emission changes across provinces, with high industrialization and population density areas showing more substantial reductions. The findings underscore the effectiveness of China's clean air policies and provide a valuable reference for other countries facing similar challenges. However, the study acknowledges limitations, such as the simplification of the nonlinear relationship between NOx emissions and NO2 columns, and the need for further improvements in the inversion system to address these issues.