What if the defendant does not plead guilty in a criminal case?

After the judgment of criminal proceedings, when the court convicts a party, if the party refuses to admit guilt, it will not affect the execution of the judgment, but the party may appeal.

Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China

Article 227 filing of appeals

Defendants, private prosecutors and their legal representatives have the right to appeal to the people's court at the next higher level in writing or orally if they refuse to accept the judgment or ruling of first instance of local people's courts at all levels. Defenders and close relatives of the defendant may appeal with the consent of the defendant. The parties to an incidental civil action and their legal representatives may appeal to the part of the incidental civil action in the judgment or ruling of first instance of the local people's courts at all levels. The defendant shall not be deprived of the right to appeal under any pretext.