Disclosure of internal control evaluation reports of Chinese enterprises: History, problems and strategies

•Examines the evolution of internal control disclosures in Chinese listed firms, identifying issues such as delays and inconsistencies, impacting transparency and governance.•Proposes a unified conceptual framework and standardized reporting protocols to improve disclosure quality and corporate governance.•Highlights the importance of regulatory reforms, technological advancements, and enforcement of compliance for enhancing internal control reporting.•Stresses the critical role of stakeholders, including management and auditors, in implementing effective reporting strategies.•Advocates for future research using quantitative methods and case studies to strengthen the conceptual framework and improve disclosure practices. In the realm of corporate finance, the transparency of internal control evaluations significantly impacts investor trust, market efficiency, and governance. This study examines the evolution of internal control report disclosures among Chinese listed firms, tracing their shift from voluntary to mandatory within two decades, aiming for international alignment. Utilizing descriptive analytics, data trend analysis, and visualization, we identify critical flaws in current disclosure practices, including reporting delays, incompleteness, inconsistencies, and non-standardized evaluation criteria. These shortcomings undermine the reports' quality and reliability, emphasizing the need for a unified conceptual framework and standardized reporting protocols to improve disclosure quality. Our findings highlight the essential role of enhanced internal control disclosures in advancing corporate governance and market integrity. The paper suggests that addressing these issues could significantly benefit the investment landscape. It calls for further research, possibly through quantitative analysis and case studies, to develop more effective disclosure strategies.