Crackdown on insider trading to be stepped up

China's securities regulator vowed on Friday to intensify the crackdown on insider trading and market manipulation as the government intervention to prevent a market crash appeared to have taken root.

The regulator's pledge came as the equities market has recovered steadily after a sharp 30-percent correction since mid-June.

But there is growing anxiety among investors that the government-backed funds could soon exit their current positions as the market has shown signs of sustained stability.