Beijing: Chinese police who want to question suspects in Australia will need to obey a new set of formal rules which include having an Australian Federal Police officer present for any interaction.

Chinese police have in the past pursued the country's nationals who are suspected of "economic crimes" into other jurisdictions, including Australia.

In Beijing for an Interpol conference: AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

The new rules, negotiated between Australia and China, also mean that interviews must be recorded on video by Australian authorities, with an independent translator.

The Australia Federal Police has also banned the parading of returning fugitives in front of Chinese television cameras – a regular sight in Beijing as planes arrive at the capital's airport and handcuffed suspects are marched down the stairs for nightly news bulletins.