The People's Republic of China has made considerable progress in its attempts to modernize.
Improvements are notable in economic terms as well as in human rights.
Individual rights are more protected and the range of freedom afforded a Chinese citizen has become broader. Precisely because of these advancements, the sharp increase in human rights violations over the past year is particularly regretful. Falun Gong practitioners, Christians, and minority groups have experienced increased persecution, including torture, because of regressive campaigns during the past year. Violations of human rights in the areas of freedom of speech, the freedom of assembly and the freedom of belief have been common. Additionally, show trials, severe punishments for people held in custody and arbitrary detentions made without proper legal procedure have also commonly occurred.