Formal methods provide mathematical theories, techniques, and tools for the specification, construction, analysis, and verification of computing systems (including hardware, software, and networks). As safety-critical systems are more widely applied to key fields related to national economics and defense, the trustworthiness problem of complex systems becomes prominent and challenging. Formal methods have become a key technology for developing dependable safety-critical systems and solving China’s problem of deficient microchips and operating systems. They are also the frontiers of international academics. This paper reviews the current status of formal methods, analyzes the gap between China and other countries in this regard, and proposes some suggestions on ways of strengthening the basic research on formal methods in China.