On February 25, 2024, China marks the third anniversary of its monumental victory in the battle against absolute poverty. This significant milestone echoes the declaration made three years prior by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who proclaimed the eradication of extreme poverty as a resounding success.
Over the past three years, 22 provinces in the central and western regions of the Chinese mainland have steadfastly worked to consolidate these achievements. Through the establishment of comprehensive monitoring and assistance mechanisms, more than 60 percent of the monitored subjects have successfully mitigated the risk of falling back into poverty. For those still vulnerable, targeted assistance measures have been implemented to ensure a safety net against widespread poverty resurgence.
Employment promotion and industrial development have been pivotal in sustaining these accomplishments. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs reports that poverty alleviation through migrant labor has remained robust, benefiting over 30 million individuals annually and reaching 34 million in 2023. Impressively, migrant labor income constitutes over 60 percent of the earnings for those previously impoverished.
Economic growth has also played a crucial role. The average annual growth rate of disposable income per capita for rural residents in impoverished areas has surpassed the national average over the past three years. Additionally, the allocation of central fiscal funds to support rural revitalization for industrial development has increased from 53 percent in 2021 to over 60 percent in 2024. These funds have empowered three-quarters of impoverished households to establish robust interest linkage mechanisms with emerging agricultural management entities, enhancing their economic stability.
Healthcare has not been overlooked in these efforts. Participation in basic medical insurance among the impoverished populace has exceeded 99 percent, ensuring that individuals have access to essential health services and reducing the financial burden of medical expenses.
The cornerstone of sustaining poverty alleviation lies in continued industrial stimulation and employment promotion. Government and societal support remain crucial in empowering individuals to achieve prosperity through hard work and perseverance. As China moves forward beyond the five-year transition period, the focus will remain on strengthening these foundational elements to ensure lasting economic growth and social well-being.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
