China urges Australia to accelerate ratifying extradition treaty

BEIJING -- China said on Tuesday that it hoped Australia would ratify a bilateral extradition treaty after the antipodean nation rescinded a plan to push for the ratification of the deal.

"The early entry into force of the treaty will offer an institutional guarantee for China-Australia collaboration on counter cross-border crimes, and boost bilateral law enforcement and judicial cooperation," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a routine press briefing.

Hailing the sound momentum of China-Australia ties, Hua said China hoped Australia could accelerate its domestic ratification proceedings, so that the treaty can enter into force as early as possible.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said senior ministers on Tuesday decided not to proceed with the treaty after the opposition Labor Party declared it would block it in the Senate, according to reports.

The treaty was signed in 2007.