Juvenile Justice Debate in China: The Case of Gong Junli’s Daughter

The Case of Gong Junli’s Daughter

For nearly two years, Gong Junli has been waiting. Since his 8-year-old daughter, Xinyue, was stabbed multiple times and her body left in a grove of poplar trees in northwestern China, he has imagined her killer finally being brought to justice. The boy who the police say killed Xinyue was 13 years old at the time. As his trial opens on Wednesday, it will try to answer a question gripping Chinese society: How should China deal with young children accused of heinous crimes?

Debate on Punishment and Rehabilitation

Countries around the world have long struggled to balance punishment and forgiveness for children. In China, a history of relative leniency toward young offenders contrasts with limited rights of adult criminal defendants. The government has traditionally focused on educating and rehabilitating juvenile offenders rather than imprisoning them. However, a recent backlash following high-profile killings allegedly committed by children has prompted calls for harsher measures.

Recent Incidents and Legislative Changes

Several incidents in China this year have reignited the debate on handling juvenile offenders. In January, a boy accused of killing a 4-year-old girl was not prosecuted due to being under 12 years old. In March, three 13-year-old boys were indicted for killing a classmate near Handan. In response to such cases, the Chinese government lowered the age at which children can be prosecuted for serious crimes from 14 to 12, marking a shift in the country’s approach to juvenile justice.