China's top court stresses harsh penalties after Tianjin blasts

BEIJING - The Supreme People's Court (SPC) vowed to severely punish officials involved in crimes which endanger safety in production said.

The SPC circular issued on Wednesday came one month after the blasts in Tianjin which killed 165 and devastated the port area.

Enterprises which produce hazardous chemicals, explosive materials, fireworks or elevators, will be severely punished if they are found to have violated regulations, the SPC said.

Officials involved will be held accountable, the circular added.

The SPC also stressed harsh penalties should be used for crimes of trafficking women and children, sexual assault, and terrorist attacks.