BEIJING - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has urged audit authorities to improve supervision over the use of public money, such as cash earmarked for enhancing people's livelihood, according to a State Council statement on Thursday.

The country will severely punish violations including misappropriation and embezzlement of public funds, Li told audit authorities just before a nationwide audit work conference.

"The country should make funds related to people's livelihood a red line that no one can cross and no one dare to cross," Li was quoted as saying.

He also said auditing should cover all of the country's fiscal funds, and bring all departments and projects using the money under the supervision of auditing organs.

Auditing authorities should detect clues for major violations and make good use of its role in combating corruption, Li said.