China vows to consolidate poverty alleviation gains

Senior officials from the Chinese government have pledged continued efforts to consolidate and expand the achievements of poverty alleviation and promote rural revitalization.

These officials, including Vice Premier Liu Guozhong and representatives from several ministries and relevant authorities, made the remarks on Wednesday at a meeting held during an ongoing session of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee.

Lawmakers deliberated a report on efforts to consolidate and expand achievements in poverty alleviation and advance all-around rural revitalization.

They also launched a joint inquiry at the meeting, which was attended by Zhao Leji, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee.

At the meeting, lawmakers raised questions about improving basic pension insurance for urban and rural residents, sustaining poverty-relief industries and increasing incomes for people lifted out of poverty, as well as addressing the aging of the rural population, among other issues.

Liu and the officials listened to the lawmakers' comments and addressed their questions.

Liu said regular support should be incorporated into the rural revitalization strategy, with targeted monitoring and assistance to prevent a large-scale return to or emergence of poverty.

He also called for further development of rural industries, infrastructure and governance.

Presiding over the meeting, Wu Weihua, vice chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, called on the State Council and relevant departments to study and address the suggestions raised by lawmakers, and submit a report on their follow-up actions to the NPC Standing Committee in accordance with the law.