Under scenario 1 (mangrove area does not change but C density, i.e. stand quality, increases), the potential C stocks in all mangrove forests in China are estimated to be 12.21 2.41 Tg C. Under scenario 2 (mangrove area increases to its full potential but C density remains unchanged), the potential C stocks are estimated to be 20.62 2.08 Tg C. Under scenario 3 (mangrove area increases to its full potential and C density increases), the potential C sequestration capability of mangroves in China is estimated to be 28.81 4.19 Tg C. With these three scenarios, the potential C stocks would be 1.42 to 4.78-times greater than the current stocks