GUANGZHOU - South China's Guangzhou City detained or repatriated 768 foreign nationals in the first eight months of this year, said the local Public Security Bureau on Thursday.

They were mostly investigated for breaking the laws, expired passports, illegal entry and smuggling, according to police in Guangzhou, the provincial capital.

From January to August, Guangzhou hosted 3.05 million inbound or outbound foreigners, said the bureau.

Guangzhou boasts 86,000 foreigners with registered residence in the city. Most of them live in Guangzhou for work, business, study or teaching.

The bureau said police will strengthen administration and services for foreigners and crack down on foreigners who illegally enter China, stay or work in the city.