China will strengthen its protection of ancient books written in languages of some ethnic minority groups over the next five years as part of efforts to better conserve ancient written works.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Culture on Tuesday, China will channel greater resources into the protection of ancient ethnic literature. The initiative would include favorable policies, more funds and human resources, and greater technological support.

The ministry said it would begin a special program to improve ancient book protection in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region by focusing on collecting ancient texts and bibliographies and publishing important classics.

The ministry will set up a certification system, under which only licensed professionals could be engaged in the work to have ancient books repaired.

The ministry also plans to accelerate the digitalization of ancient books by establishing a databank, through which people can have access to the works via the Internet, said the statement.