(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-04-24 23:23

The second session of the Standing Committee of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, voted to ratify the extradition treaty between China and France on Thursday.

According to the motion on deliberation and ratification of the treaty submitted by the State Council, the country's Cabinet, the treaty was reached by friendly negotiation between China and France. Its content accorded with the basic principle and judicial practice of Chinese laws and was in line with the country's interests and actual needs.

The ratification and operation of the treaty was conducive to promoting judicial cooperation of the two countries and to promoting friendly and cooperative relations, said the motion.

The 23-article treaty covers issues such as extradition obligations, extraditable offenses, reasons that can and should be used to refuse extradition and temporary custody, among others.

In May 1987, the two countries signed the agreement on judicial assistance concerning civil and commercial affairs.

In April 2005, an agreement on judicial assistance in criminal matters was signed.

In December 2006, delegations of the two nations held negotiations on the extradition treaty in Beijing and reached agreement for all the articles in the treaty.

In March 2007, the two signed the extradition treaty in Paris.

China legislature approves extradition treaty with Australia

The second session of the Standing Committee of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, on Thursday approved the extradition treaty between China and Australia.

The 23-article treaty covers issues such as extradition obligations, extraditable offenses, reasons that can and should be used to refuse extradition, property transfer and the settlement of disputes, among others.

Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei said as China's political and economic relations with Australia were intensifying, it was necessary to sign the treaty to effectively combat crimes.

China signed the treaty with Australia in Sydney in September after two rounds of negotiations.

Experts say the treaty conforms to the basic principles and judicial practice of China's laws, and serves the country's interests. It will help promote China's judicial cooperation with Australia and propel the friendly relation between the two countries.