Torture is widespread in China but it is forbidden by law although evidence obtained by it is admissible. Nevertheless, at least in the ordinary criminal field there has been some attempt to curb torture. China allowed the United Nations Committee against Torture to visit China this year. Amnesty has urged the Chinese government to give effect to the Committee's recommendations. Amnesty is particularly concerned with early detention. Many of the deaths from torture reported to it occur in the first interrogation. Another improvement is the Chinese decision not to implement the death penalty on juveniles under 18.

Beijing-Proposed sister city relationship-Copy of letter from President, ACT Branch, amnesty international australia to ACT Chief Minister, dated 17 August 2000, together with attachment.

Torture and ill treatment in detention is widespread in Tibet. The use of electric cattle-prods on political detainees appears to be general practice. Torture and other forms of ill treatment occur in police stations upon arrest, during transport to detention facilities, in detention centres and in prisons. The documented methods of torture against Tibetans include beatings with chains, sticks with protruding nails, and iron bars, shocks applied with electric cattle-prods to sensitive parts of the body, including the genitals and mouth, hanging by the arms twisted behind the back, and exposure to cold water or cold temperatures. Women, particularly nuns, appear to be subject to some of the harshest, and gender-specific torture, including rape using electric cattle-prods and ill treatment of the breasts.