South Korea, China exchange 18 fugitives in two years

South Korea and China have exchanged since last year a total of 18 most-wanted fugitives caught in their countries, Seoul police said on Friday.

They were among 80 people on lists exchanged between the police authorities of the two countries since they reached an agreement on law enforcement collaboration in June 2013, according to the National Police Agency.

Under the accord, in the first year five Chinese nationals were arrested and sent back to their country, and four fugitives were sent to South Korea, the Korea Herald reported.

"When South Korea sends one, China sends one in return," an official from the agency said, requesting not to be named.

"With the improved ties between the two countries since the inauguration of the current government, collaboration with the Chinese police has also improved," the official added.