Petrochemistry, geochronology, and trace element and REE geochemistry have been studiedof some basalts from the South China Sea. The results show that the South China Sea basaltsmay be divided into two types: alkali basalts and tholeiites. The former is similar to commoralkali basalts in petrochemistry, REE distribution pattern and trace element geochemistry,and the latter. to Hawaiian tholeiites, belonging to the transition type between alkali ba-salts and MORB (mid-ocean ridge basalts). Petrochemistry, geochronology, and trace element and REE geochemistry have been studied of some basalts from the South China Sea. The results show that the South China Sea basaltsmay be divided into two types: alkali basalts and tholeiites. The former is similar to commoralkali basalts in petrochemistry , REE distribution pattern and trace element geochemistry, and the latter. To Hawaiian tholeiites, belonging to the transition type between alkali ba-salts and MORB (mid-ocean ridge basalts).