The Plate Tectonics and Global Changes were two major breakthroughs in Earth science over the 20th century. A new focus of Earth science in the 21st century will be the interactions between the Earth′s deep and surface systems, i.e. “solid Earth dynamics and planetary cycle”. The present paper briefly discusses the new research frontiers on the basis of the IODP meeting on its scientific targets beyond 2013, including three parts: Subduction factory, mid-ocean ridge, and large igneous province. The paper ends with a suggestion that China has to develop cross-disciplinary studies to meet the new targets in Earth science.