In response to neoliberalism, marketisation, and the country's developmental needs, governance of transnational higher education (TNHE) in China is undergoing significant changes. This study investigates the evolving national governance paradigm in TNHE institutions in China. Using a qualitative approach, it analyzes seven pertinent legal documents related to TNHE governance in China by employing indicators based on a multi-dimensional autonomy analysis framework. The findings suggest that despite the emphasis on decentralisation, centralization remains predominant in TNHE governance in China, with marketisation serving as a managerial tool. This leads to the characterization of the national paradigm as "economy-driven centralisation". Moreover, the study proposes that global societal and governance evolution is moving towards "Harmonious Governance", with politics, economics, technology, and culture increasingly integrating worldwide. Future research should explore comparative and critical studies across different countries to further examine this trend.