In 2017 the world witnessed a number of important events in the area of natural gas hydrate. This paper reviews some of them, including natural gas hydrate production trial test of Nankai Trough in Japan, natural gas hydrate production trial tests of Shenhu area and Liwan area in South China Sea, approval of natural gas hydrate as a newly found mineral, and other important events. Also reviewed are some research hotspots such as the application and research of natural gas hydrate petroleum system in Shenhu area in South China Sea, hydrate kinetic inhibitor, exploitation method, sediment stability, environmental effect and other research topics. It is noted that Chinese researchers and engineers have made some prominent contributions in this area. Future research focus of natural gas hydrate is analyzed as well.

natural gas hydrates  /  Shenhu area  /  production trial test  /  exploitation method  /  a newly found mineral