stressed that, following the anti-government disturbances in 1989, there had been no summary arrests or detentions of peaceful demonstrators, summary executions or widespread torture. The persons arrested had not been those who peacefully exercised their rights as citizens, but a handful of persons engaged in anti-government rioting and criminal activities, such as looting, arson and murder. Those individuals had been a threat to China and its social CAT/C/SR.51 page 3 system and had violated the rights of the majority, as well as the Constitution and Chinese penal law; they had been tried in strict conformity with Chinese law. 7. Questions had been asked about Tibet, which had been part of China since ancient times. It had enjoyed full autonomy since 1956. On a number of occasions over the past 30 years, a small minority had fomented disturbances, killing and injuring police officers and violating other Chinese laws. Those offenders had been tried in full conformity with the law, which prohibited torture regardless of race, religion or creed. Allegations of torture in Tibet had proved to be entirely unfounded; any further allegations would be investigated. 8. With regard to the death sentence in China, when such a sentence was handed down, a two-year stay of execution could be declared, during which time the offender had the chance to undergo reform through labour. If he showed signs of mending his ways, the death sentence could be commuted to 15 years' imprisonment; if he persisted in his criminal behaviour, the Supreme People's Court could carry out the death sentence. That showed the humanitarian spirit and cautious approach to the death sentence in Chinese law. Many death sentences had, in fact, been commuted. With regard to allegations of torture in Tibet, his delegation assured the Committee that it would investigate them. 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a defense of China's human rights record, addressing specific concerns and allegations of abuses. It mentions the treatment of peaceful demonstrators, the handling of anti-government riots, and the situation in Tibet. The text also discusses the death penalty and allegations of torture. The tone is formal and official, suggesting that it may be a statement or report from a government or international organization.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, Human rights