<p>Carbon emissions flow between provinces through elements and commodities, forming a complex spatial network that serves as a significant motivator for China to meet its “dual carbon” targets. We implement social network analysis to examine the structural characteristics and influencing factors of China’s interprovincial carbon emission spatial correlation network (CESCN) from 1997 to 2022. The study finds that the CESCN as a whole presents multiple correlations and intricate structural characteristics. It is currently at the initial stage of network growth, experiencing both stability and volatility. The individual structure of the network exhibits stable multipole characteristics, with the economically developed provinces as poles at the center of the network. The network’s evolution is affected by both endogenous structural factors and exogenous attribute factors. Reciprocal and transitive tie effects promote the establishment of carbon emission relationships. Geographical factors, regional homophily, energy intensity, innovation, industrial structure, and industrial agglomeration all have a significant effect on carbon emission relationships. This study serves as a resource for the future coordination and organization of the CESCN.</p>