The soil and water conditions of natural tropical forests in China, at the regional level and the forest management unit level are reported with direct reference to ITTO Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Management of Natural Tropical Forests. An assessment of the application of these criteria and indicators is conducted. In line with standards for soil, water and forest management in natural tropical forests in China, indicators for soil and water, and the application of the ITTO Criteria and indicators in China are developed. Problems with the application are pointed.