Mon | Jun 15, 2026

Most-wanted fugitives must go through Canadian legal system

Published:Tuesday | July 19, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird (left) is greeted by his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi during his visit to China's Foreign Ministry office in Beijing, China, on Monday.

BEIJING (AP):

Canada's foreign minister has told Chinese officials that the case of one of China's most-wanted fugitives jailed in Canada must go through that country's legal process without political interference.

John Baird told reporters yesterday during a visit to China that he discussed the case of Lai Changxing with Chinese officials. Baird says he met separately with Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Vice-Premier Li Keqiang yesterday.

Lai has fought 12 years against returning to China. He's accused of heading a network that smuggled billions of dollars worth of goods into China with the protection of corrupt officials.

Baird says he also discussed boosting Chinese trade and investment and raised Canada's human rights concerns.