China urges Canada to expand joint efforts to fight corruption
Foreign Minister Wang Yi tells Ottawa that he wants to see more cooperation in efforts to bring corrupt officials from the mainland to justice
China has said it wants to expand cooperation with Canada in tackling corruption after Beijing claimed the country was a popular destination for corruption officials fleeing abroad.
Canada and China said last year they would talk about a possible extradition treaty, which China has long wanted so it can press for the return of suspects in corruption cases.
Many Western countries are reluctant to sign extradition deals with China, partly out of concern about the integrity of its judicial system and treatment of prisoners.
Meeting in Beijing on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Chrystia Freeland, his Canadian counterpart, that both countries should push for expanded, mutually beneficial cooperation in all area.
The foreign ministry indicated that Wang had told her they must make the joint fight against cross-border crime their aim, and expand cooperation on anti-corruption measures and legal enforcement.
Canada refuses to extradite suspects without assurances they will not be executed.
In 2011, Canada deported Lai Changxing, who was wanted in connection with a massive smuggling and bribery case, following a legal battle in which a Canadian court dismissed concerns he could be tortured or executed if sent home.
A Chinese court jailed Lai for life the following year.
