BEIJING -- China will impose stricter audits in key areas to intensify its crackdown on corruption, according to the National Audit Office.

"Auditing plays an important role in supervision, and auditing bodies at various levels should be sharp-sighted in detecting problems of power abuse and corruption," said the office.

The audits will focus on five areas, including fiscal fund management, public project construction, extension of bank loans, land transfer and state asset management, according to the office.

Auditors nationwide spotted over 1,400 signs of possible malpractice in the first 11 months of last year and transferred the cases to judiciary or discipline inspection organs for further investigation.