Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Wednesday that China highly appreciates Malaysia for firmly pursuing the one-China policy and thanks it for its cooperation with China in cracking down on cross-border crimes, including telecom and cyber fraud.

On Tuesday, Chinese police escorted 74 telecom-fraud suspects back to China from Malaysia, including 53 from the Chinese mainland and 21 from Taiwan. The suspects are allegedly involved in over 500 cross-border telecom and cyber fraud cases involving over 60 million yuan ($8.7 million).

"Chinese authorities will treat the suspects in accordance with the law," Geng told a daily press conference in Beijing.

He also said that the move will help the investigation and retrieve illicit money. The crimes will be punished according to law, and the victims legal rights will be protected, he added.

"We believe that this will be understood and supported by compatriots across the Straits and the international community as well," he added.