All six appealed their sentences after the trial in November. Naw Kham's lawyer pleaded for a reduced sentence on the grounds that his client was ordered to pay 6 million yuan (about 953,895 U.S. dollars) in compensation to the victims' families.
The provincial higher court heard the appeals on Dec. 20. In the verdict released Wednesday, the court said the appeals were rejected due to the "severe outcome" of the crimes.
The death penalties for Naw Kham and three of his subordinates will be submitted to the Supreme People's Court in Beijing for review prior to the executions, the court said.
Legal experts said the trial shows China is capable of protecting its citizens and any criminal violation against its people will be subject to punishment in accordance with the law.
"I believe the death penalty for Naw Kham is appropriate, or my brother and sister-in-law will not rest in peace," He Xilun, the younger brother of slain sailor He Xixing, told Xinhua in an interview in November.
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