China 'may increase' number of executions

China may extend its programme of capital punishment after a three-month "strike hard" crackdown on crime resulted in at least 1,300 deaths.

Diplomats in Beijing have counted a spiralling number of executions since President Jiang Zemin and Luo Gan launched the anti-crime drive in early April.

The real figure is believed to be far higher as many executions are not made public.

Politburo member Luo Gan said: "In the next phase, the scope and volume of the 'strike hard' struggle to punish can only get larger and in no way will weaken.

"We must be firm and resolute in attacking the crimes of evil forces in accordance with the law and thoroughly smash their economic bases and root out and punish those who support and protect the forces of darkness."

China executes more people each year than the rest of the world combined, the exact figure remaining a closely-guarded state secret.