China will make redoubled efforts to fight against corruption in land use, work safety and the property sector in 2007, according to a circular released by China's Ministry of Supervision.

In the circular, outlining the ministry's work priorities for the year, the ministry said it would continue to clamp down on negligence and abuse of power by government officials, and will cooperate closely with judicial departments to deal with offenders.

The circular said the country would focus on cases involving government officials using their position to grant use of land to private developers and interfering with biddings for housing construction projects for their own gains.

It also vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into work safety accidents, such as coal mine accidents, caused by illegal investment and collusion between corrupt officials and business people.

The circular did not reveal details of possible punishments.

A report on China's procuratorial work in 2006 says Chinese prosecutors investigated allegations of corruption, bribery and neglect of duty against 40,041 government employees, of whom 29,966 were prosecuted.

(Xinhua News Agency March 20, 2007)