In addition, sentencing economic offenders to death may also affect China's image, since such a penalty was eliminated long ago in most developed countries, he added.

Under the current law, 55 crimes are subject to the death penalty, among which one-third are economic crimes such as corruption and bribery, according to Han Yusheng, a criminal law professor at Renmin University of China.

Currently, all death penalties have to be reviewed by the Supreme People's Court.

Questions:

1. When was the last time China reduced the number of charges carrying the death penalty?

2. How are courts required to apply the death penalty?

3. How many crimes are subject to the death penalty, under current law?

Answers:

1. 2011.

2. Strictly and carefully.

3. 55.

About the broadcaster:

Anne Ruisi is an editor at China Daily online with more than 30 years of experience as a newspaper editor and reporter. She has worked at newspapers in the U.S., including The Birmingham News in Alabama and City Newspaper of Rochester, N.Y.

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