Last month, a fugitive from the U.S. who is suspected of sexually abusing children was repatriated. He is a U.S. citizen who arrived in Shanghai in May on a tourist visa.

 

In August, a Chinese fugitive suspected of fraud valued at 380 million yuan ($57 million) was repatriated to China with the assistance of U.S. judicial authorities after three years on the run.

 

However, Zhu acknowledged that there are still some practical difficulties in returning more Chinese suspects as a result of a number of legal obstacles and complex procedures. The two sides have yet to sign a bilateral extradition treaty and a treaty to allow them to share confiscated ill-gotten assets.

 

The two sides also need to create a successful model for locating, capturing and repatriating fugitives to China, and set an example for future cases, he said.

 

Huang Feng, a professor of international criminal law at Beijing Normal University, said that despite stronger efforts by law enforcement agencies in both countries, the U.S. remains a major destination for Chinese fugitives.

 

"Both countries should take the opportunity to put aside political differences and deepen judicial cooperation to seek common interests," he said.

 

Since Interpol issued red notices for the 100 most-wanted Chinese fugitives in April 2015, 49 people have returned from 16 countries and regions, including six from the U.S., according to the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

 

Last month, Yang Xiuzhu, a high-profile fugitive, pleaded guilty to charges of corruption and bribery, and was sentenced to eight years in prison and a fine of 800,000 yuan. The 70-year-old returned to China a year ago after 13 years on the run in the U.S.