No safe haven for corrupt elements anywhere in world

The courthouse in Seattle where Zhao Shilan, the ex-wife of a former Chinese official, appeared before a US Magistrate on Friday. She was arrested Tuesday on allegations of immigration fraud and money laundering.

US Federal Prosecutors in California have announced that they are suing Qiao Jianjun, a former Chinese official suspected of embezzling 300 million yuan ($48.4 million), for fraud in obtaining his immigration visa when he fled to the United States. His former wife is already under arrest. This is the first instance of a corrupt Chinese official being sued in US. Comments:

Different laws used to prevent many foreign judiciaries from taking effective action against corrupt Chinese officials who fled to their countries. The US prosecutors' move shows that corrupt officials will have a hard time in the US, and it also sends the message the US will help China fight graft, which will act as a deterrent to corruption.

Xu Yaotong, a professor at the Chinese Academy of Governance, March 21

As everybody can see, China and the US are strengthening their bilateral cooperation to fight corruption. There is no safe haven for corrupt Chinese officials in this world.

Hong Lei, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, March 19

The US has long advocated good governance around the world, and specifically in China, and it supports international cooperation to fight corruption. Helping China bring corrupt officials and economic fugitives to justice is a moral responsibility, but it also serves the US' national interests. Crushing corruption in China will foster a more transparent and predictable commercial environment, level the playing field for US enterprises wanting to invest and do business in China and make China a more reliable partner. A healthy framework for cooperation in law enforcement would pave the way to strengthen the rule of law in China and perhaps around the world.

Andy Sun, executive director of the US-based Asia Pacific Legal Institute, March 5

This legal case is an obvious symbol of the upgraded Sino-US cooperation to fight corruption. It is expected to be followed by more. A global net to hunt corrupt Chinese officials is being woven, and their days are numbered.

huanqiu.com, March 20