In 2013, China's coal import hit a new record and the country has been the world’s largest coal importer for three consecutive years. ANBOUND think tank scholars highlighted that the relevant departments should aware that coal import is a market issue and it does not have much impact on energy security. The market should play a decisive role when dealing with coal import and the government should not put too much pressure on coal import just because the coal industry is at a downturn. Such trade protection is neither good for economic development nor the coal industry.