BEIJING, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- China has launched a "spring campaign" against illegal and pirated publications that will last until May, as illegal publications and piracy reemerged in some areas of the country.

    An official with the national office responsible for cracking down pornographic and illegal publications said during the campaign, publications illegally compiled, published or reprinted will be confiscated, while illegal activities of smuggling overseas newspapers and periodicals will be stringently cracked down.

    China's customs will intensify their examination to prohibit passengers carrying illegal publications from overseas.

    The battle will also extends to the Internet, where on-line illegal publications and relevant information will be blocked, the official said.

    Printing houses are banned to publish illegal overseas publications and reprint other illegal publications.

    Law enforcers will intensify their efforts to investigate the major cases involving piracy and illegal publication printing and publishing during the "spring campaign".

    China launched an 100-day nationwide campaign against pirated audio and video products and computer software from July 15 to late October in 2006.

    According to the official statistics, 19.46 million illegal publications were seized each month on average from July through September, more than double the monthly average for the January-June period last year.