In February 2021, China marked a historic victory in its battle against poverty, lifting 98.99 million rural residents above the poverty line. This milestone has transitioned into a new phase focused on consolidating these gains.
To sustain this progress, China has implemented strategic top-level designs and policy safeguards. The end of 2020 saw the establishment of a five-year transition period aimed at providing ongoing support to regions and individuals who have emerged from poverty. This period facilitates a seamless shift from poverty alleviation to rural revitalization through comprehensive assistance policies.
A cornerstone of this strategy is a dynamic monitoring and assistance mechanism targeting households at risk of falling back into poverty. This system ensures early detection and intervention through regular assessments and adaptive management, providing necessary support to vulnerable populations.
At a January press conference, Zhang Xingwang, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, highlighted specific measures such as industrial assistance, employment support, and social security to solidify the achievements of poverty alleviation. Efforts to develop rural specialty industries have been particularly successful, with 832 previously poverty-stricken counties cultivating leading industries valued at over 1.7 trillion yuan ($230 billion). These industries provide stable income sources for those who have escaped poverty.
By the end of 2024, employment in poverty-stricken areas reached 33.05 million, maintaining levels above 30 million for four consecutive years. Additionally, China's multi-level social security system ensures continuous support in education, healthcare, housing, and other essential areas, significantly reducing the risk of poverty relapse.
As of November 2024, 5.34 million people at risk of lapsing into poverty have received assistance, effectively eliminating this risk. Furthermore, farmers in poverty-stricken counties saw their per capita disposable income rise by 6.5% year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2024, outpacing the growth rate of national rural incomes for four consecutive years.
The \"No. 1 central document\" for 2025 emphasizes the continued effort to prevent poverty relapse by establishing mechanisms and categorized assistance systems for low-income residents and underdeveloped rural regions. China's dedication to enhancing agricultural efficiency, revitalizing rural areas, and increasing farmers' incomes underscores its commitment to advancing modernization.
As the five-year transition period concludes next year, China remains steadfast in its mission to shield its population from poverty. Han Wenxiu, Executive Deputy Director of the Office of the Central Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs, affirmed that support policies will continue to evolve to meet the needs of low-income residents and underdeveloped areas, ensuring the persistence of efforts to prevent large-scale poverty relapse.
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China continues fight against poverty as it safeguards progress
cgtn.com
