Abstract: Chinese petroleum geologists face to a big and inevitable issue on the depletion of petroleum in the 21st century, which could not be solved by organic origin theory. But the inorganic origin theory can guide the future petroleum exploration. Following the basic discussion of inorganic origin theory, petroleum exploration targets of China, particularly the exploration of carbonate rock, salt and reef etc., are presented. It is believed from China's petroleum exploration strategy that in North China, Hailaer basin, Kailu basin, Erlian basin related to central Mongolia block are the best prospecting targets; Junggar basin and Turpan-Hami basin, which belong to Junggar block, have the brighter prospects in the deeper areas. In South China, Chuxiong and Luliang areas of Kangdian block, Jinqu basin in Zhejiang province and Hengyang basin in Hunan province are the best petroleum accumulation zones. The oceanic petroleum re- sources in Nansha Islands, gas hydrate in South China Sea are also discussed.

Key words: Inorganic origin, exploration strategy, petroleum, natural gas, the 21st century, China