Mutual judicial assistance aims at cross-Strait harmony

In addition, both sides are responsible to report key information to the other party, such as information on the detention of each other's suspects and details in the event of a non-disease-related death. Each side should also offer convenience for family members to visit such suspects.

"In recent years, Taiwan people have shown great concern over how the island authorities manage corruption, fraud and other severe economic crimes," Hsu Wen-pin, a renowned Taiwan lawyer and an expert on cross-Strait judicial systems, told Xinhua Sunday.

Hsu said the agreement extended the cross-Strait crackdown to economic field from mere criminal activities, which accords with Taiwan people's expectations.

Other major crimes listed for the joint crackdown include robbery, hijacking and economic wrongdoing, such as money laundering and falsifying currencies and securities.

Previous reports said a survey conducted by the Taiwan-based mainland affairs committee show that 79.6 percent of 1,132 respondents favored the agreement.

Xu Bodong, an expert on Taiwan affairs and also professor of the Beijing Union University, said the agreement, which sets up institutionalized regulations on the judicial collaboration, indicates a significant transition for mainland-Taiwan relations.