This review concerns the current status of high-yield pulping in the world and the implications of such pulping methods for the Peoples' Republic of China. The increased domestic demand for paper and board in P.R.China has resulted in a reduction of wood fibre available for utilisation and a rapid rise in imports. More efficient, cost-effective and environmentally-conscious methods of fibre production are required to meet this demand. An increase in high-yield pulp production may ease this situation. An assessment of state-of-the-art technology in high-yield. pulping for the utilisation of hardwoods and softwoods is presented, with particular emphasis on energy reduction techniques.