Worthwhile efforts to bring fugitives to justice

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) of the Communist Party of China (CPC) opens a website to allow people to tip off the CCDI to corruption and other disciplinary violations. [Photo/IC]

If Western countries such as the United States, Canada and Australia have long been considered a safe haven by China's fugitive corrupt officials, the alliance China and the United States have formed against corruption should send chills down their spines.

Following "Operation Fox Hunt" in 2014, in which 680 people suspected of economic crimes were caught in 69 countries in six months, China has given the US a priority list of suspected criminals, most of whom are believed to be corrupt officials, thought to be at large in the US.

Some Hong Kong-based media reported that Wang Qishan, head of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the CPC Central Committee, may pay a visit to the US later this year, and probably talk with his hosts about strengthening cooperation to track down these wanted fugitives.

True, the lack of formal extradition treaties with some countries has proven to be an obstacle to China's efforts to smoothly bring to justice corrupt officials who have fled abroad with stolen assets. And political bias against China may also cause problems in any bid to extradite suspects.

Yet China's resolve to do whatever it can to convince these countries of the economic crimes and abuse of power these fugitives have committed is unshakable.

It is a matter of justice. It is a matter of whether China's anti-graft fight will succeed and whether the related countries observe the rule of law.

China's confidence in bringing all these fugitives to justice is based on the rationale that these Western countries will have no reason to protect corrupt suspects once Chinese prosecutors show enough evidence. It would be detrimental to the international image of these countries if they fail to cooperate with China in nabbing these fugitives.

Bringing corrupt officials at large overseas back to face justice means that the last retreat will be blocked for all corrupt elements and the space for them to escape lawful punishment will be squeezed. In other words, the risk of their being caught for abuse of power will be greatly increased.

So whatever efforts China has to make in overcoming the complicated difficulties in this regard will be worthwhile.