Lai's extradition a sign of improving ties

BEIJING - The repatriation of alleged smuggling kingpin Lai Changxing to China is another sign of improving relations between China and Canada, following the visit to Beijing by John Baird, Canada's new foreign minister, observers said.

Baird chose China as the destination of his first official visit abroad last week as the minister of foreign affairs in the Conservatives' new majority government.

Two days after Baird wrapped up his official visit to Beijing, Lai, the chief suspect wanted by China for 12 years in a multibillion-dollar smuggling case, was repatriated back to Beijing on Saturday, removing an obstacle to the improving bilateral relationship.