Abstract: Basing upon the data of geological and seismological observations and crustal deformation this paper deals mainly with the characteristics of the tectonic stress field in China since Late Tertiary. Such a tectonic stress field is characterized first of all by obvious zonations. And it is especially distinct in three broad regions, namely West China, North China-Northeast China and South China-Taiwan. The tectonic stress field in these regions seems to be stable.The mechanical behavior of tectonic belt in S-N direction in Central China varies significantly with different sections, since it should neither be considered as a simple shearing belt nor a tensile fault zone. On the basis of quantitative data obtained it may be suggested that it is predominatly horizontal, but the vertically applied stress also exists in certain regions due to the motion of the Earth's deep-seated materials.It is to be noted also that the tectonic stress field in China is controlled by the joint action of the Indian and the Pacific plates.