Australia's federal government is set to ratify an extradition treaty with China after a joint parliamentary committee recommended formalizing the pact.

Australia will become one of the few Western countries, alongside France and Spain, to have an extradition treaty with China enter into force. The committee's report notes the links between China and Australia are growing.  It says extradition treaties play an important role in "combating domestic and international crime" and Australia "does not wish to become a safe haven for people who commit serious offenses".

According to the latest figures from China's Foreign Ministry, China has concluded 79 criminal judicial assistance treaties with nearly 60 countries, and has signed extradition treaties with 46.  Judicial organs in China have stipulated a set of laws and are negotiating extradition treaties with more countries to bring fugitives at large to justice.