FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AG MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1997 (202) 616-2777 TDD (202) 514-1888
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- "Today I met with Mr. Xiao Yang, Minister of Justice for the People's
Republic of China, and discussed a wide range of legal and law enforcement issues.
"We agreed that our departments should meet again and continue to work together on law
enforcement issues. Today's meeting was a productive first step that we expect to lead to
improved mutual cooperation in the pursuit of justice.
"Crime does not respect international borders. That is why it is so important that our nations
work together to prevent criminal activity and pursue criminals wherever they may flee.
"I am pleased to confirm that China has committed to implement the agreement reached by our
two presidents. One important element which we look forward to is the opening of reciprocal
law enforcement offices in each nation's capital, including a United States Drug Enforcement
Agency office in Beijing. This is a very positive development that will enable American law
enforcement to work more closely with Chinese officials to help fight the flow of overseas drugs
into the United States. It is also our hope that improved law enforcement cooperation will lead to
the opening of an FBI office in Beijing in the future.
"I also took the opportunity to make it very clear to Minister Xiao that we are seeking the full
cooperation of the Chinese government with the investigation being conducted by our campaign
finance task force.
"Finally, we addressed a number of other areas, including mechanisms for improving cooperation
on law enforcement matters like environmental issues and alien smuggling."
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