14 March 2007 :

China promised not to sentence accused smuggler Lai Changxing to death because this was essential to have him repatriated from Canada, a Supreme Court spokesman said.
Lai was accused of being the mastermind behind the country's largest smuggling ring. He fled to Canada in 1999 and remains there. 
"We made the promise (not to sentence Lai to death) to seek his repatriation, and it is the only correct option to punish crimes and safeguard the interests of the nation," Ni Shouming said.
Ni said that China had two options: refusing to make any promise and giving up the efforts for Lai's repatriation, or making a promise to have him back.
China wants to bring him back to face charges of smuggling, bribery and tax evasion.
Lai denies any wrongdoing and refuses to be repatriated to face the justice in China.