The Chinese government has defended the country's judicial system, arguing that the death penalty sentence is rarely pronounced on suspects.

In a Monday report titled 'New Progress in the Judicial Protection of Human Rights in China,' the Chinese government noted that authorities "strictly control the death penalty and employ it with prudence."

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According to the Xinhua, the report explained that the country had made improvements in its judicial system.

The current judicial system allows the death penalty only for a handful of offenses including treason, spying, arson, rape, separatism, murder, robbery, and human trafficking. This was after a revision led to the removal of some of the offenses that were punishable by death including smuggling of arms and ammunition, counterfeiting currency, forcing others into prostitution, and obstructing military personnel in the performance of their duty.

In the report, the government stated that "special actions" need to be taken to combat human trafficking especially in areas where women and children are concerned.

The number of people executed in China is considered a national secret. Amnesty International, however, suggests that China executes a greater number than the rest of the world, which was adding up to 1634 in 2015.

"Available information indicates that thousands of people are executed and sentenced to death in China each year," Amnesty International stated.

Human rights groups argue that often a death sentence is issued in China following an unfair trial where confessions are obtained through torture.

Since he took power, President Xi Jinping has worked on ensuring that the judicial system restores public confidence in the ruling Communist Party while doing away with wrongful convictions.

Tagschina, Amnesty International, Human Rights, Death Sentece