There's been a lot of discussion recently about whether or not China should abolish the death penalty. Some legal experts suggest China needs to limit it's use of capital punishment, as the mark of a civilized society.

Many argue that capital punishment deters crime, but there are worries that the widespread use of it in China raises human rights concerns.

A recent survey indicates that more than 80 percent Chinese support capital punishment.

Li Hailong, is one who supports the death penalty. He says it remains a necessary measure to punish crimes and ensure people's safety.

"At present, the death penalty serves as a powerful weapon, protecting victims rights and interests. We use it to severely punish some corrupt governmental officials and warn others. If it is abandoned, it may have a negative impact on public security and the economy."

Although China still has the death penalty, the Chinese government has always limited the use of it.

A senior official from China's Ministry of Justice, Feng Jiancang, suggests a compromise rather than totally abolishing capital punishment.

He indicates limiting the use of the death penalty. "One option to deal with the death penalty in China is to retain but seriously restrict it. China would implement this policy by reducing the use of the death penalty for financial or economic crimes," he said.

Many agree that the death penalty will be abolished sooner or later in China, but the country is not yet ready now.

Some experts suggest that the abolition may take three steps. The first is to abolish capital punishment for economic crimes as soon as possible, then the penalty for non-violent crimes.

The last step, of course, is to completely abrogate the death penalty when China's own conditions allow.

Source: CRI