Abstract Excessive intake of sugar-sweetened beverages among children and adolescents could increase the risks of adverse health outcomes, including dental caries and obesity. This study reviewed the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages among children and adolescents in China and the international strategies to reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverage. The aim of the study was to provide a reference for the introduction of relevant policies to control the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages in children and adolescents in China. In summary, measures including a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, implementing front-of-pack labelling system, restricting marketing and publicity and education have been adopted to control the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in some countries, while public publicity and education have been adopted in China. It is suggested that comprehensive policies and measures should be adopted to control the intake of sugar-sweetened beverage among Chinese children.