China: crime and justice

How many cases do Chinese courts handle?

Chinese courts received 10.61 million cases of all kinds in the first quarter of 2026, slightly fewer than a year earlier, according to the Supreme People's Court's data release of 14 April 2026. Criminal and civil cases fell, while administrative and enforcement cases rose.

Courts also handled 3.48 million cases through pre-trial mediation, of which 1.19 million were settled. Cases unresolved for more than two years fell 8.87%. The court said on 14 October 2026 that first-instance cases continued to fall in the first nine months of the year.

Official sources: Supreme People's Court: First quarter 2026 data (Chinese) · Supreme People's Court: January to September 2026 review (Chinese)

What are the most common crimes in Chinese courts?

Dangerous driving, theft, fraud, intentional injury and traffic offences were the most common criminal cases in Chinese courts in January to September 2026, according to the Supreme People's Court on 14 October 2026. Cases of bid rigging, loan fraud and bribery increased.

The court did not publish case numbers in that release. Court figures show cases that reach trial, not all offences reported to the police, so they depend on how many cases are investigated and prosecuted.

Official sources: Supreme People's Court: January to September 2026 review (Chinese)

How many fraud cases are there in China?

Chinese courts received 22,000 first-instance fraud cases in the first quarter of 2026, 7.29% fewer than a year earlier, according to the Supreme People's Court's data release of 14 April 2026.

Cases of concealing the proceeds of crime fell 41.31% to 10,600. The court said it was drafting guidance on property crimes. The figures count cases accepted by courts at first instance, so they reflect prosecutions rather than all frauds. Police and prosecutors publish their own figures on investigations and prosecutions.

Official sources: Supreme People's Court: First quarter 2026 data (Chinese)

What is China's murder rate?

China recorded 0.5 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2020, according to the World Bank's homicide indicator, based on UN Office on Drugs and Crime data. The rate was 0.52 in 2019 and 0.53 in 2018.

The latest year in the series is 2020, so it does not show recent changes. Intentional homicide counts unlawful deaths deliberately inflicted. Figures come from national authorities and are compiled by the UN in a common definition, which makes comparisons between countries easier, though recording practices still differ.

Official sources: World Bank: Intentional homicides, China

How is corruption in China measured?

China scored 0.07 on the World Bank's control of corruption estimate for 2025, on a scale running from about −2.5 to +2.5, compared with 0.08 in 2024 and 0.10 in 2023.

The estimate is part of the Worldwide Governance Indicators, which combine surveys of businesses, households and experts on perceived corruption. It measures perceptions, not cases. The Supreme People's Court said on 14 October 2026 that bribery cases in courts increased in the first nine months of 2026.

Official sources: World Bank: Control of Corruption estimate, China · Supreme People's Court: January to September 2026 review (Chinese)

How does China score on rule of law?

China scored −0.43 on the World Bank's rule of law estimate for 2025, on a scale running from about −2.5 to +2.5, up from −0.53 in 2024 and 2023.

The estimate, part of the Worldwide Governance Indicators, reflects perceptions of contract enforcement, property rights, the police and the courts, and the likelihood of crime and violence. It combines many sources with margins of error, so small changes from year to year may not be meaningful.

Official sources: World Bank: Rule of Law estimate, China

What is the murder rate in China?

According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the intentional homicide rate in China was 0.5 per 100,000 in 2020. No year since 2005 has been lower. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 0.7 per 100,000, and China placed 8th highest of 11. World rank, highest first: 113th of 121.

How many battle deaths has China had?

1: that is battle-related deaths in China for 2023, according to the Uppsala Conflict Data Program. In 2015 the figure was 5. East Asia & Pacific median: 59; China is 5th highest of 5. World rank, highest first: 37th of 37.