This paper focuses on potential development models of future oil and gas exploration in South China Sea. A detailed study of current development models worldwide is performed through some examples of industry installed/ongoing projects and major technical issues encountered during these practice. Key technologies are discussed for the success of field development. Some of the technologies and field development experience can be used for South China Sea project. Several models are studied in field development for different scenarios,including marginal field,large oil field and gas field. With the massive investment activities,continued improved technologies,and rapidly growing pool of professionals,the offshore industry in China will soon encounter a golden period. This paper focuses on potential development models of future oil and gas exploration in South China Sea. A detailed study of current development models worldwide is conducted through some examples of industry installed / ongoing projects and major technical issues encountered during these. Key technologies are discussed for the success of field development. Some of the technologies and field development experience can be used for field development for different scenarios, including marginal field, large oil field and gas field. With the massive investment activities, continued improved technologies, and rapidly growing pool of professionals, the offshore industry in China will soon encounter a golden period.