The modern coal chemical industry is one of the important routes for China to address energy-supply security and climate change issues.This paper introduces technologies and industrial status of the modern coal chemical industry, containing coal to liquids, coal to nature gas and coal to chemicals.Main industrial policies that are related to the modern coal chemical industry and have been issued since 2004 are reviewed and commented. The adjustments and fluctuations of policies in different periods in the light of different industrial development stages are recognized. The evolution of the policies has reflected the government's deepening understandings on the coal chemical industry and increasing attentions to environmental issues.Finally, this paper summarizes the main direction of policies for the modern coal chemical industry,expounds the strategic position of the modern coal chemical industry,and points out that the modern coal chemical industry will develop towards a green,efficient,low-carbon and intensive direction through strengthening the R&D,promoting the demonstration and combining with other advanced technologies.