One of China's most-wanted fugitives has returned to face fraud charges after nine years on the run in Hong Kong, the top anti-corruption watchdog said on Tuesday.

Zhou Jiyang, 47, is accused of committing contract fraud while working in the Party history research department of the Zhejiang provincial committee of the Communist Party of China.

He fled overseas after being put under investigation in 2008, according to the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

Zhou is the 50th corruption suspect that has returned to the Chinese mainland since Interpol issued red notices — international arrest warrants — for the 100 most-wanted fugitives in April 2015.

The CCDI said the milestone fully reflects the nation's attitude and firm determination to seek out fugitives.

"No matter where they escape to, we will try our best to bring them to justice," the watchdog said in a statement.