Nov.9,2017--China and the United States will strengthen cooperation on joint investigations and simplify procedures to repatriate fugitives to their home countries to face justice, a senior official from the Ministry of Public Security said.

 

Both countries will enhance the exchange of information and conduct joint investigations into a number of major and individual cases, Zhu Yuxiang, deputy director of the ministry's International Cooperation Department, told China Daily.

 

Moreover, high-ranking officials from both sides will smooth communication channels and promote "the adoption of simplified means to repatriate suspects" to prevent "safe havens" for fugitives from both countries, he said.

 

Last month, the first round of the China-U.S. Law Enforcement and Cybersecurity Dialogue was held in Washington, during which the countries discussed their major concerns and reached some consensus.

 

The countries agreed to establish a joint working group and focus on a number of major or individual cases. In addition, they will hold meetings every month or every three months, and share information about fugitives.

 

"Such agreements offer more favorable conditions to conduct deeper cooperation to apprehend fugitives and regain ill-gotten assets," Zhu said, noting that since President Donald Trump took office, the U.S. has offered China more judicial assistance to apprehend and repatriate fugitives.

 

"This year, especially, the U.S. has simplified procedures to facilitate repatriation," he said, adding that five people have been repatriated this year, four from the U.S. to China and one from China to the U.S.