The People's Republic of China has significantly improved the general health of its people by a concerted effort in primary health care but trauma care and its prevention remains a problem. This paper provides an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the trauma-care system in China and proposes a strategy for its future development. This includes public-health legislation, the integration of military and civilian practice to provide comprehensive care from the scene of the incident through to rehabilitation, medical audit, the introduction of postgraduate trauma-management training courses and international academic exchanges.