The release of a five-year plan for ending poverty in China signals the beginning of the largest such endeavors the world has ever seen.
The document outlines dozens of measures to lift another 70 million people, one percent of global population, out of poverty by 2020, contributing enormously to the human rights record of China and the world as a whole.
Since 1978, more than 700 million Chinese have escaped poverty, a huge percentage of the billions of people worldwide who have had their lives changed in the same way during the period. China is the only developing country to meet the Millennium Development Goals poverty reduction target so far, with the deadline only three weeks away, at the end of this year.
After decades of development, the Chinese people now want better housing, education, medical care and a safe, healthy environment, with human rights and dignity preserved in all respects. The latest plan includes measures such as tuition exemption for poor students, reducing taxes for rural start-ups and increasing financial subsidies.
China wants to conduct a precision poverty relief program, with precise positioning of poor groups and different systems for different places. By analyzing the local economic and cultural conditions, the government motivates companies, individuals, NGOs and even the military to carry out relief plans.
Rich provinces are designated one or several less-developed provinces for special guidance and assistance. By promoting its practice and performing the due responsibilities of a big country, China has never hesitated to help other countries in their struggle against poverty via financial aid, technology transfer and expertise.
China is ready to learn in the same way from other countries and adjust concepts to local conditions. Actively implementing the United Nations' 2030 agenda for sustainable development, China is resolved to do more to eliminate global poverty.
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