China will strengthen oversight of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the agricultural sector to ensure biosafety, the Ministry of Agriculture said in a circular on Wednesday.

Regulatory oversight of such products is important to grain safety, food safety and ecological safety, the ministry said.

It vowed to crack down on illegal spread of GMO seeds and other malpractice.

China has placed importance on the development of modern biotechnology while keeping a wary eye on possible risks that may result from the technology.