Top legislature ratifies criminal judicial treaties with UK, Belgium

The top legislature on Saturday adopted two criminal judicial assistance treaties between China and the United Kingdom and Belgium, respectively.

The bilateral treaty with UK was signed on Dec. 2 of 2013, while the treaties with Belgium was signed on March 31, 2014.

Both treaties were approved on June 13 by the State Council, China's cabinet, and have been submitted for approval on the bimonthly meeting of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, which ended Saturday.

The treaties specify principles to follow in order to implement criminal judicial assistance, including investigation and evidence collection, providing testimony, and witness protection.

The treaties also include provisions regarding transfer of prison inmates, asset freeze and disposition of proceeds of crime.

The treaties are "in accord with the basic principles of Chinese laws and judicial practice, and meets Chinese interests and real demands," according to a State Council statement.

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Chao told the bimonthly meeting that the treaties will "strengthen bilateral judicial cooperation with UK and Belgium, and further promote bilateral friendly and cooperative relations with them."

Source: XINHUA