Abstract: This paper analyzed the basic character of proven oil reserves, the increasing tendency of oil reserves since 1986, and the peculiar increasing regularity in various basins. It indicates that the oil resources base determines the increasing scale and increasing rate. Different types of basins showed peculiar characters of reserves increasement and its own reserves increasing regularity. Because of the relatively low proven reserves ratio at the time being in China, it is considered that China nowadays is in relative high increasing-rate period. Along with the continuing investments in West China and offshore basins, the oil reserves will step into a new peak period of proven oil reserves increasement.

Key words: China, petroleum, reserves, proven oil reserves, increase, petroliferous basin, oil and gas exploration