Mutual judicial assistance aims at cross-Strait harmony

Source: Xinhua | 04-27-2009 08:28

BEIJING, April 26 (Xinhua) -- Experts from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan have hailed the fresh judicial ties between the two sides, saying the joint efforts to fight crimes will be comprehensive, direct and thorough to safeguard harmony across the Taiwan Strait.

Top negotiators from the mainland and Taiwan reached a consensus Sunday on mutual judicial assistance in an attempt to crack down on severe crimes such as murder, smuggling, human trafficking, terrorist activities, among others.

"The agreement, which covers the entire judicial process of civil and commercial law and the criminal law, was the first comprehensive one between judicial authorities of the mainland and Taiwan," Wang Zhenmin, head of the Law School of the prestigious Tsinghua University, told Xinhua Sunday.

"The agreement came at a time after mutual trust and understanding between the two sides had risen to a high level," said Wang, adding that it will protect, promote and regulate the exchanges in economy, civil affairs and other aspects.

Cross-Strait exchanges have seen development since July 1988 when the State Council, the Chinese Cabinet, issued regulations encouraging Taiwan compatriots to invest in the mainland.