BEIJING -- China's National Audit Office on Thursday vowed to strengthen auditing and supervision of major state-funded projects to prevent waste and corruption.

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"Intensified auditing and monitoring will be focused on project approval procedures, the acquiring of land for construction, and preparation work and implementation progress, among other areas, in order to uncover unnecessary waste and corruption behind quality and safety issues," according to a report made by the office.

The report, citing "severe corruption" in the phases of approving projects, bidding and government procurement, was referred to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) Thursday.

According to the office, enhanced audit will be conducted on major projects such as the reconstruction in quake-hit areas and the second West-East natural gas transmission project, to ensure capital safety and project quality.

The 18th session of the Standing Committee of the 11th NPC will review a series of reports and draft laws, including a draft amendment to the Criminal Law, a draft revision to the Law on Water and Soil Conservation, and a draft law on intangible cultural heritage.

The session runs from December 20 to 25.