This paper introduces the development and application status of pipeline steel pipe and field welding technology for long-distance oil and gas pipeline construction in China, points out the weldability characteristics of pipeline steel pipe, analyzes from five aspects: application direction of semiautomatic welding and manual welding, application and quality control of pipeline automatic welding, selection and technical progress of nondestructive testing methods, inspection and acceptance of welding defects and technical progress of construction organization. The technical differences between domestic and foreign countries are pointed out, and the development trend of pipeline field welding technology in China in the future is put forward. It is considered that semi-automatic welding with self shielded flux cored wire and manual welding with low hydrogen electrode will still be the alternative methods for pipeline construction, but the application of automatic welding technology will be more and more extensive; we will vigorously develop and comprehensively apply a variety of testing methods and digital nondestructive testing system for processing test results, and pay more and more attention to the application of welding defect assessment means which takes both safety and economy into account. Girth welding technology should be coordinated and managed as a technical system with iron and steel metallurgy, steel pipe manufacturing, welding material research and development and construction management.