China's top auditing body has outlined several key areas to be targeted this year, including pension insurance, affordable housing, and expressway construction.

The National Audit Office says it will strengthen auditing to ensure public funds are not misused amid major policy shifts.

Liu Jiayi, auditor general of the audit office.

"For major problems involving violations of law and party disciplines, major losses and waste, and failure on any level to perform official duties, we will intensify our efforts to investigate and punish those officials who have jeopardized the interests of the people."

The office says it will focus on major projects concerning people's livelihoods, such as disaster relief, poverty reduction and environmental protection.

The office will also intensify auditing to detect potential problems in the fields of finance, state assets, energy and resources.

It will underline local government debts and regional financial stability.