Abstract: The research development of the soft rock engineering geomechanics in China coal mine is brief discussed in this paper. Firstly, the defects about the definition of soft rock defined by the ISRM are indicated. The new definition and classification of soft rock are brought forward. Based on these, the deformation mechanic of soft rock, the equation of softening state,The determination of loads on the support of the gate,and the design method of soft engineering geomechanics are discussed. It is considerable that the comprehensive system of soft engineering geological mechanism in China coal mine has been formed.