China requests Australia's cooperation in chasing fugitives

China's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that it hopes to work with Australia in chasing fugitives and illegal assets, responding to worries that a new Australian visa policy might be abused by corrupt Chinese officials.

Australia said earlier on Tuesday that it would introduce a "premium investor visa" to give immigrants permanent residency after a year if they invest 15 million Australian dollars (13 million US dollars) in the country.

"We have always encouraged normal people-to-people exchanges between China and Australia," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a regular news briefing.

"But I also want to point out that China is ramping up its campaign on corruption. Chasing fugitives and illegal proceeds overseas is an important component of this," Hong said.

He said China is prepared to work with Australia in this regard and hoped to get its cooperation. "We don't want these corrupt officials or fugitives to find safe havens overseas."