Press conference on guiding principles of the 4th plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee

Brasil de Fato:

With the five-year poverty reduction consolidation period ending in 2025, what specific targets and long-term mechanisms will the 15th Five-Year Plan establish to prevent a large-scale relapse into poverty? And how would the government transition from emergency monitoring to regular, long-term supporting system for vulnerable areas?

Mo Gaoyi:

Mr. Han will answer the questions.

Han Wenxiu:

Thank you for your questions. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, China has won an unprecedented battle against poverty, eliminated absolute poverty, made a miraculous achievement that will be recorded in history, made significant contributions to global poverty reduction efforts, and boosted confidence and set an example for Global South countries in shaking off poverty. We set a five-year transition period between 2021 and 2025 to ensure the effective alignment of efforts in consolidating and expanding poverty alleviation achievements with rural revitalization. This has resulted in a stronger foundation and more sustainable progress in poverty reduction. The 15th Five-Year Plan period will mark a new stage of regular assistance following the end of the transition period. The fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee proposed establishing regular mechanisms to prevent the recurrence of poverty, focusing on the broader goal of Chinese modernization. The aim is to integrate regular assistance efforts into the rural revitalization strategy for coordinated implementation, ensuring that a large-scale recurrence of poverty does not occur. The specific measures include:

First, a system of regular support policies will be established and improved. Practice has shown that the support policies during the five-year transition period were effective and powerful. After the transition period, we must adhere to the principle of "major stability and minor adjustments," maintaining overall stability in policies regarding fiscal investment, financial support and the allocation of resources and factors. We will continue the approach of Party secretaries at all five administrative levels working together, as well as the proven practices of east-west cooperation and targeted assistance by central units. Policies should be appropriately optimized and adjusted according to actual conditions, with a focus on improving the effectiveness of support.

Second, underdeveloped regions will be supported to accelerate development. Underdeveloped regions are the main battleground for preventing people returning to poverty or new people falling into poverty. During the transition period, the state identified 160 key counties for rural revitalization support, and local governments also designated certain provincial-level key counties for targeted assistance. Going forward, long-term support will continue to be provided for underdeveloped regions, with responsibilities divided between central and provincial governments. Assistance will be provided in a tiered and categorized manner to help develop industries that enrich the people and strengthen county economies, improve rural infrastructure and public services, narrow urban-rural and regional development gaps, and consolidate the foundation for preventing people returning to poverty.

Third, the timeliness and precision of monitoring and assistance will be improved. As the saying goes, life is as unpredictable as the weather. For households facing sudden difficulties such as major illnesses or natural disasters, early detection, early intervention and timely support are essential. Measures must be targeted and timely. A regular monitoring system to prevent people returning to poverty should be established and improved, accurately identifying beneficiaries and dynamically adjusting support. For those who are able to work, industrial and employment support should be strengthened to help them prosper through hard work. For those who are unable to work, social assistance and other measures should ensure their basic living standards. Overall, the goal is to enable rural residents to enjoy increasingly prosperous lives and jointly pursue the beautiful future of Chinese modernization.

Thank you.