U.S. and China to enhance information sharing

BEIJING - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Chinese Ministry of Public Security Economic Crimes Investigation Department signed a letter of intent on Tuesday that will strengthen investigative cooperation between both countries.

ICE Director John Morton and China's Economic Crimes Investigation Department Director General Meng Qing-feng signed the document during a formal signing ceremony in Beijing.

Both nations believe cooperation in fighting intellectual property rights crimes will benefit both the United States and Chinese law enforcement agencies. ICE's Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and China's Economic Crimes Investigation Department intend to continue cooperation through the ICE-led National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center.

"I would like to thank Vice Minister of the Ministry of Public Security Meng Hong-wei and Director General of the Economic Crimes Investigation Department Meng Qing-feng for agreeing to strengthen cooperation on areas of mutual concern," said ICE Director Morton. "This is the first trip to China for an ICE director. The meetings between both countries have been productive and I look forward to building on our law enforcement relationship."

The ICE Office of International Affairs is responsible for enhancing national security by conducting and coordinating international investigations. With agents in over 65 locations around the world, the ICE Office of International Affairs represents DHS' broadest footprint beyond our borders. ICE attaché offices work with foreign counterparts to identify and combat transnational criminal organizations before they threaten the United States.