329 fugitives arrested in China's anti-corruption drive

China has arrested 329 fugitives accused of economic crimes, as part of an aggressive anti-corruption effort, targeting individuals who have fled abroad. This includes 149 who turned themselves in, by a December 1st deadline set by Chinese authorities. Accused persons were promised leniency, if they surrendered by that date.

After three years on the run, Mr. Chen finally decided to return to China and turn himself in to the authorities. It's the first time he is back after fleeing to Mexico three years ago.

"I had complex feelings of excitement and nervousness after I got on the plane. My blood pressure kept jumping high. I grew up in China and the feeling of not being able to go back home gave me sleepless nights," Mr. Chen said.

Chen allegedly embezzled millions of dollars from the company he'd been working for and was placed under investigations in 2010. He fled to Mexico and began his life as a fugitive. Looking back, he calls it a nightmare and said his biggest regret was missing his daughter's wedding.

"Because of the language barrier, it is very difficult to survive in other countries. I missed my family so much and felt so guilty for them," Mr. Chen said.

Chen is one of many fugitives, accused of economic crimes to return home. China launched its "Fox Hunt 2014" operation in July, targeting corrupt officials and suspects in economic crimes who have fled the country.

The goal is to "block the last route of retreat" for corrupt officials involved in ongoing crackdowns and narrow the space for abuse of power.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has also said it is determined to fight corruption, and expressed the hope of continued international cooperation.

"China has been actively seeking bilateral judicial assistance with other countries. We have signed an agreement on judicial assistance, extradition, and the transferring of convicted persons with around 63 countries. We hope to expand cooperation with relevant countries, to pursue fleeing officials and their stolen assets, and together combat crimes of corruption," Chinese Ministry Of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Hua Chunying said.

Corrupt Chinese officials have been fleeing abroad for decades, transferring assets worth many billions of dollars overseas through money laundering and underground banks.

China continues to face difficulties in the return of these fled officials due to a lack of bilateral extradition treaties, and political and legal problems with some countries, including the US, Canada and Australia; three popular destinations for Chinese economic fugitives.

In a bid to overcome obstacles, experts say that these countries should first strengthen political will and abandon prejudice. At the same time, China needs to strengthen communication with these countries, improve mutual trust and appropriately address judicial obstacles in a pragmatic and feasible way.