Xi stresses 'precision' poverty relief

BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping urged governments at all levels to beef up "precision" poverty relief measures as the country plans to lift all poor people out of poverty by 2020.

Xi made instructions on Dec 8 that local authorities should implement "precision" poverty relief measures with local characteristics and seek innovation in relief methods.

Xi spoke highly of fixed-point poverty alleviation carried out by government institutions and enterprises, noting it is an important part of poverty alleviation with Chinese characteristics and also an important showcase of the merits of China's political system.

In his instructions, Premier Li Keqiang said fixed-point poverty alleviation has been an effective way for departments of the central authorities to participate in poverty relief.

Li urged beefing up fixed-point poverty alleviation during the 13th five-year plan period, when a decisive battle for the victory of the war against poverty will be fought.

Attending a meeting on fixed-point poverty alleviation by departments of the central authorities, Vice Premier Wang Yang also called for further improving work in this field.

Since 2012, 320 departments of the central authorities have participated in fixed-point poverty alleviation, covering all poverty-stricken counties.

A total of 1,266 officials from these departments were sent to the poor areas on poverty relief missions, along with poverty relief funds.

China still has 70 million rural people living below the poverty line.