Harsher punishments handed out for illegal land occupation

Strictest judicial measures have been put in place to deter potential offenders

Chinese courts have stepped up efforts to combat the illegal occupation or utilization of arable land, upholding the concept of green development and handing out harsh punishments to violators, so that the country can promote farmland conservation and ensure food security.

"Over the past few years, we've taken the strictest judicial measures to protect the environment, severely fighting behaviors that damaged agricultural land and food security, regardless of where and when they occurred, and who was responsible for them," Wu Zhaoxiang, an official from the Supreme People's Court, China's top court, said at a news conference on Wednesday.

"We've resolutely punished those who should be held criminally liable in line with the law, so as to maintain the bottom line of ecological security," added Wu, who is chief judge of the top court's Adjudication Tribunal for Environment and Resources.