BEIJING - China's State Council, the Cabinet, on Wednesday ordered a crackdown on illegal land grabs and forced demolitions while ensuring no decline in the country's farmland.

Local authorities should boost land management and supervision amid rising illegal land use and violations of citizens' rights, the State Council said in a statement released after an executive meeting presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao.

The State Council called for the prevention of a rebound in illegal land use, saying land use for major projects should be approved before construction starts, according to the statement.

It also ordered checks on all golf courses to see if they have been involved in illegal land use and seizures.

The Cabinet vowed to crack down on any forced demolitions and to safeguard farmers' interests by guaranteeing them compensation for land acquisition.

It asserted that land supply should be ensured for affordable public housing construction as the Chinese government seeks to cool off the property market.

Meanwhile, local governments are urged to use land planning and pricing as a tool to promote industry restructuring.

The central government ordered nationwide coordination in cracking down on child trafficking and the deployment of all methods and resources to help all vagrant minors return home.