Top Chinese leaders Xi Jinping (C), Li Keqiang (3rd R), Zhang Dejiang (3th L), Yu Zhengsheng (2nd R), Liu Yunshan (2nd L), Wang Qishan (1st R), Zhang Gaoli (1st L) attend the third Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 12, 2013. The session lasted from Nov. 9 to 12. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

China will reduce the number of crimes subject to death penalty "step by step," said a key policy document of the Communist Party of China (CPC) published Friday.

The decision on major issues concerning comprehensively deepening reforms was approved by the Third Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee on Tuesday and its full text was published Friday.