Nine government agencies will conduct a month-long investigation of illegal child labour practices, the semi-official China News Service said yesterday.
Child labour, while not unique to China, has aroused international concerns that economic reforms might promote exploitation.
State media reports earlier this year claimed hard labour was one of the top three killers of people under 18, along with pneumonia and malnutrition. The report did not give a definition of 'hard labour'.
Textile and toy factories - many of which are owned or managed by foreign companies - are notorious for employing children or teenagers in dangerous conditions.
The investigation, which started last Thursday, will see various government agencies and the All-China Federation of Trade Unions research and analyse the child labour situation nationwide.
Working with local governments, these agencies will stamp out child labour through legal channels and police co-operation. The report said the inspection would also promote local economic growth and protect the health of children.
