Some prisons located in remote areas are being moved to sites near cities or places with better transportation, Chinese Minister of Justice Zhang Fusen said Wednesday.

China is relocating over 700 jails nationwide and plans to finish the work by 2010, Zhang said.

A trial to remove remote prisons started last year in six provinces including China's northwestern Qinghai, southwestern Sichuan and central Hunan.

"Quite a few jails in remote areas suffer tough natural environment and cost more than those in cities," Zhang said.

Infrastructure and health care in prisons will be improved and more specialists, social workers and volunteers will be able to help reform criminals if jails become more accessible, he said.

"Family members of prisoners will also find it easier to visit their family members in jail," said Vice Minister of Justice Fan Fangping.

The judicial authorities expect that the relocation can contribute to the ongoing reform of China's jail system.

(Xinhua News Agency November 27, 2003)