Skip to main content

Beijing pleads with US to hand over corrupt officials

China steps up bid to get hold of absconding alleged fraudsters

SENIOR diplomat Xu Hong urged Washington today to set aside prejudices against China's justice system and work with Beijing to extradite corrupt officials who have absconded with embezzled wealth.

Mr Xu, director-general of the Foreign Ministry's treaty and law division, told a news conference that some countries have "passive attitudes" about signing extradition treaties with Beijing.

"China is ready to sign an extradition treaty, but it looks like the United States is not prepared to do so," he said.

The US, Canada and Australia have yet to sign extradition treaties with China.

Beijing estimates that 16,000-18,000 corrupt officials and employees of state-owned enterprises have fled China since the mid-1990s with stolen assets of 800 billion yuan (£85.5bn).

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 13,288
We need:£ 4,712
3 Days remaining
Donate today