Beijing vows to push ahead with pursuit of graft fugitive Cheng Muyang in Canada
Suspects such as Cheng Muyang will be punished accordingly, Foreign Ministry says
UPDATE: Michael Ching Mo Yeung has commenced legal proceedings against South China Morning Post in the Supreme Court of British Columbia. Mr Ching alleges in his lawsuit that this article contains false and defamatory statements, and that the conduct of South China Morning Post and its reporter was malicious, reprehensible, high-handed, and blameworthy.
Beijing vowed to continue its efforts to bring back fugitives suspected of corruption, including a Chinese businessman who has fled to Canada.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei made the comments when asked whether Beijing would ask Ottawa to return Cheng Muyang, who is suspected of economic crimes.
“China will punish corrupt people even though they have fled to the remotest corner of the world,” Hong said. “Fugitive such as Cheng Muyang will be punished accordingly.”
Cheng, 45, was among 100 fugitives listed by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) last week.
He allegedly fled to Hong Kong in 2000 with the help of his father Cheng Weigao – a powerful official who served as party chief of Hebei and later chairman of the local people’s congress. In the same year, he left for Canada, investigations showed. There is no extradition treaty between the two countries.