国内英语新闻:China welcomes Australian help in fighting corruption

BEIJING, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- China welcomed Australian help in cracking down on corruption on Monday after media reported Australian police would assist China in chasing fugitives and illegal assets.

Australian police have agreed to assist China in the extradition and seizure of assets of corrupt Chinese officials who have fled with hundreds of millions of dollars in illicit funds, the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported on Monday.

"China has signed treaties with 63 countries, including Australia, in judicial assistance and extradition," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a regular news briefing.

China hopes to cooperate with Australia and other relevant countries to chase fugitives and illegal gains and fight against corruption, she said.

"The Chinese government is resolute in fighting against corruption and chasing fugitives and illegal assets overseas. Corrupt officials should be brought to justice wherever they flee," Hua said.