China's road transport sector is expected to be a major factor affecting national and global oil availability and prices, and is a major contributor to China's greenhouse gas emission increase and urban air pollution. Reasons for bioethanol and biodiesel to be considered as promising alternatives to conventional transportation fuels in China include energy security and environmental concerns. The present article analyzes the current status and future potential of bioethanol and biodiesel development in China, as well as the energy demand and emissions for different feedstock options from a life cycle perspective.