China, US discuss economic fugitives

BEIJING - Judicial authorities from China and the United States on Thursday discussed cooperation in the hunt for fugitives and asset recovery.

The discussion was organized by China's Ministry of Public Security and brought together representatives from China's Supreme People's Procuratorate; its ministries of supervision, foreign affairs and justice; and the US Department of Justice; and Internal Revenue Service of the Department of the Treasury.

The meeting aimed to step up efforts to capture Chinese fugitives hiding in the United States. It will last until Friday, with a focus on laws and evidence hand-over.

China has reinforced its hunt for economic fugitives, including many corrupt officials suspected of graft. Last year's "Fox Hunt 2014" operation saw 680 such offenders brought to task.

However, China has yet to pen an extradition pact with either the United States or Canada, two very attractive places for suspected economic fugitives to hide.

The Ministry of Public Security said it would conduct more talks with US law enforcement authorities this year, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.