Successful model remains elusive

Somemajor obstacles remain between China and the United States on capturing Chinese officials at large in the US and recovering assets they stole, the authorities said.

"Due to lack of a bilateral extradition treaty and difficult legal obstacles, we are facing practical challenges in repatriating more Chinese fugitives to face trial and recover their illgotten assets," said Liu Dong, director of the Ministry of Public Security's economic crimes investigation bureau.

The two countries have yet to create a successful model for getting suspected corrupt officials back to China to face trial. Obstacles also hinder the progress of discussions about some individual cases.