February 25, 2024, marks three years since China declared a decisive victory in its battle against extreme poverty. On this day in 2021, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that the nation had eradicated absolute poverty, a milestone that has transformed the lives of millions.
Over the past three years, China has continued to consolidate its poverty alleviation achievements. In 22 provinces across central and western regions, monitoring and assistance mechanisms have been established to prevent a resurgence of widespread poverty. More than 60 percent of those monitored have eliminated the risk of falling back into poverty, while others receive targeted assistance to ensure stability.
Employment and industrial development have been at the forefront of these efforts. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, over 30 million people annually have found employment through migrant labor for the past three years, reaching 34 million in 2023. Income from migrant labor accounts for over 60 percent of earnings among the formerly impoverished population.
Notably, the average annual growth rate of disposable income per capita for rural residents in previously impoverished areas has outpaced the national average. Central fiscal funds allocated to support rural revitalization for industrial development have increased from 53 percent in 2021 to over 60 percent in 2024. Additionally, three-quarters of these households have formed strong partnerships with emerging agricultural entities, and participation in basic medical insurance has surpassed 99 percent among the population.
The key to sustaining these achievements lies in promoting industrial growth and expanding employment opportunities. Government initiatives and societal support play crucial roles in empowering communities to build prosperous futures through hard work and innovation. As China moves beyond the midpoint of its five-year transition period following the eradication of extreme poverty, ongoing efforts to strengthen poverty alleviation through industrial stimulation, employment promotion, and asset optimization remain vital.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
