It is helpful to identify the components of tree ring in which delta ~(13)C is most sensitive to climate change by comparing the correlations between the delta ~(13)C sequence and climate variables.Sensitivities of delta ~(13)C response of the components (e.g.whole wood and cellulose) to climate change vary among tree species or regions, and most research attributes this variation to the inter-ference caused by components in xylem.It can be concluded that delta ~(13)C of both whole wood and cellulose significantly responses to climate change in following cases: 1) deciduous species; 2) trees with low contents of extractives and less influenced by lignin (e.g.Quercus); 3) regions where tree growth is strongly restricted by climate.In the latter case, delta ~(13)C of cellulose shows stronger sensitivity to climate change in evergreen conifers with higher extractive contents, compared to that of whole wood.In addition to the components in xylem, the factors, such as special physiological processes of trees and climate limitation on tree growth, affect the response sensitivities of delta ~(13)C in different components to climate change, and their action mechanisms should be further explored.Meanwhile, more studies should be focused on the interference degree of single xylem components on the correlation between delta ~(13)C of whole wood and cellulose for different species or regions.Sensitivities of delta ~(13)C response of different components to climate change should also be strengthened in the subtropical monsoon regions of southeast China.