China's courts have been ordered to strictly punish those who steal, destroy, smuggle and illegally purchase cultural relics.

The Supreme People's Court signed an agreement with the State Administration of Cultural Heritage on Monday to strengthen legal protection on relics as well as increase cooperation on efforts to return heritages from overseas.

"The joint efforts will contribute to enhancing public awareness to protect relics, and will be helpful for the adoption of administrative punishments and criminal penalties," the top court said in a statement.

The SPC said it will improve the analysis and study of relics-related cases and set up an effective long-term system for heritage protection.

In addition, courts at all levels nationwide have been encouraged to establish museums to display and protect judicial heritages, the SPC added.