US warns China against harassing Chinese expats over anti-corruption campaign: China flays ‘uncooperative attitude’

Weeks before Chinese President Xi Jinping is to visit the United States, the Obama administration has warned China against the continued presence of Chinese government agents in the United States, who are allegedly pressuring many Chinese expatriates to go home and face legal action under the “Operation Fox Hunt” -the official campaign against corruption.

Operation Fox Hunt

The warning was delivered to Chinese officials in recent weeks by American officials, who also demanded halting of such activities in the U.S. soil, reflecting Washington's ire over intimidatory tactics by the agents, reports New York Times. The Chinese agents are undercover operatives working under the Ministry of Public Security and are vested with the responsibility of executing Operation Fox Hunt.

The campaign is central to Mr. Xi’s battle against corruption and is also appreciated by the Chinese public. Since 2014, the operation has led to the repatriation of more than 930 suspects, including more than 70 who opted to return voluntarily. It may be recalled that Liu Dong, a director of Operation Fox Hunt had stated that Chinese agents would try to comply with local laws abroad and seek cooperation of the police in other countries.

At the same time, he added, “Our principle is thus: Whether or not there is an agreement in place, as long as there is information that there is a criminal suspect, we will chase them over there, we will take our work to them, anywhere.” In the U.S., the F.B.I. and the Department of Homeland Security are in charge of tracking the activities of foreign government agents. The agencies have confirmed that they have ample evidence that Chinese law enforcement agents are harassing Chinese expatriates.

China’s reaction

Meanwhile, China lashed out against the United States for its “uncooperative” attitude in “Operation Fox Hunt” and suggested that the U.S. is becoming a haven for Chinese criminals. The reaction came in response to Washington’s charge that Beijing has deployed “covert agents” on American soil to snare fugitives, reports The Guardian.

For China, bringing back fugitives is a significant element in Mr Xi’s high-profile offensive against corruption. It is understood that China has already handed out the lists of targets to many countries including the U.S., Australia, France, Canada and the U.K.

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