Abstract: The chemical speciation of trace metals in seawater controls their biogeochemical cycling process and their transport and fate in marine environment, and it is closely related with metals' toxicity and bioavailability. Thus, the study of chemical speciation of trace metals draws intensive attention. However, the matrix of seawater is very complex, and the trace metal concentrations are extremely low. The sampling and analytical processes can easily introduce contamination if not careful handled. Thus, the skill required for trace metal speciation studies in seawater is quite high. Good selectivity and extremely low detection limits have made stripping voltammetry (SV) a widely used technique for trace metal speciation in seawater. Internationally, the SV method for speciation analysis in seawater has been modified and updated; while in China, not only in Open Ocean, but also in coastal areas, the studies on trace metal speciation in seawater are scarce. This paper will introduce recent research progresses on speciation studies of several selected metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd), along with the development of analytical methods. We hope it can help promote the understanding and researches of this field in China.