By Staff writer
China’s eradication of extreme poverty stands as one of the most far-reaching social transformations of the modern era. In 2020, the country announced that absolute poverty had been eliminated nationwide, lifting nearly 100 million rural residents above the official poverty line. This achievement meant that China reached the core target of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on poverty reduction ten years ahead of the 2030 deadline. More than a statistical success, it represented a structural change in living conditions across vast rural areas that had long struggled with underdevelopment.
The scale and speed of China’s poverty reduction were driven by a highly organized national effort. Targeted policies identified poor households village by village and addressed the specific causes of poverty, whether lack of education, poor health, inadequate housing, or limited access to jobs. Infrastructure investment brought roads, electricity, clean water and internet connectivity to remote areas. Relocation programs moved families from inhospitable environments to safer locations with better access to services. At the same time, employment programs, industrial development and financial support helped households build stable sources of income. Together, these measures transformed once-isolated communities and created the foundation for lasting development.
However, Chinese policymakers have consistently emphasized that eliminating extreme poverty does not mean the end of poverty-related challenges. Incomes remain vulnerable to illness, natural disasters, market fluctuations and demographic pressures. Recognizing these risks, China entered a new phase after 2020 focused on consolidating achievements and preventing people from falling back into poverty. The five years following the eradication announcement were treated as a critical transition period, shifting from short-term poverty relief to long-term development and resilience.
One of the most important measures introduced during this period is a permanent monitoring and early-warning system. Households that have recently escaped poverty, as well as those on the edge of vulnerability, are regularly assessed. When risks emerge, such as job loss or medical hardship, targeted assistance is activated quickly. This approach replaces reactive poverty relief with preventive governance, ensuring that problems are addressed before they escalate.
Employment remains the central pillar of sustainable poverty alleviation. China has continued to expand job opportunities for people previously lifted out of poverty through labor-intensive industries, public service positions and support for small businesses. Special attention has been given to stabilizing employment for migrant workers and encouraging local job creation so that rural residents can earn income closer to home. Skills training programs have also been strengthened to help workers adapt to changing labor market demands.
At the same time, China has integrated poverty alleviation outcomes into its broader rural revitalization strategy. Formerly poor regions are encouraged to develop, or locally distinctive industries, based on their natural and cultural advantages. These range from modern agriculture and food processing to tourism, renewable energy and rural e-commerce. By embedding poverty reduction within regional economic development, incomes are no longer dependent on subsidies alone but are supported by market-driven growth.
Social security systems have also been expanded and refined. Medical insurance, minimum living allowances, pensions and disaster relief programs provide a safety net that reduces vulnerability to sudden shocks. For elderly residents, people with disabilities and those unable to work, long-term support mechanisms ensure basic living standards are maintained. This layered protection helps prevent the re-emergence of extreme deprivation.
Five years on, the results of this consolidation phase are evident in steadily rising rural incomes, improved public services and stronger local economies. The risk of large-scale return to poverty has been effectively contained, and development gaps between regions continue to narrow. Looking ahead, China aims to institutionalize these mechanisms as part of its modernization process, ensuring that poverty reduction remains durable rather than temporary.
China’s experience shows that ending extreme poverty is not a single moment, but a continuous process. By combining targeted support with long-term development planning, the country has sought not only to lift people out of poverty, but to create conditions in which they can remain secure, resilient and hopeful for the future.
