Farmers in Laibin city of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region eradicate water lettuce, a kind of invasive plant that fills local ponds, on June 27, 2013. [Photo/icpress.cn]

China has 544 invasive alien species, with more than 20 of them causing large-scale damage, Hebei-based Yan Zhao Metropolis News reported Monday citing a recently-concluded conference on ecological safety.

Invasive alien species refer to non-indigenous animals and plants that adversely affect the habitats and bioregions they invade economically, environmentally and/or ecologically. The destructive species in China include western flower thrips and Q-type Bemisia tabaci, both of which are rated dangerous internationally.