The traditional concept and theory of determination of labor relations，which have evolved from the practice of labor relations in factories in the industrialization era，emphasize the employee’s “personal dependence” and “economic dependence”. The traditional theory of labor relationship is faced with great challenges against the background of platform employment，which has many new characteristics. Nevertheless，because of their strong flexibility and adaptability，traditional concept of labor relations and related criteria of determination are not completely out of date and still applicable to platform employment. At the same time，in light of the new characteristics of platform employment，the method of determination of labor relations should be updated and improved. As for the platform employment relation，it should be determined in light of characteristics of different platforms and the actual employment of different types of workers and on the basis of all facts and factors in each individual case. In doing so，we should lay more emphasis on the substantive nature of “subordination” and take into account such factors as the working time and income source of platform workers，and the necessity of their social protection. China can define the concept and factors in the determination of labor relations through judicial interpretations of the Supreme People’s Court. Due to the complexity of and variations in platform employment，it is not necessary for China to formulate specific labor law rules for platform workers at the present stage. In addition to labor law，the social insurance system，the platform regulation system and other relevant mechanisms should also be put in place to protect platform workers.