Xi's new year inspections underpin people-oriented approach

During the 2015 tour to Shaanxi, Xi bought festival gifts before visiting old acquaintances in the village where he worked as an "educated youth."

China is striving to become a "moderately prosperous society in all respects" by 2020, just before the centennial anniversary of the founding of the CPC.

That means all rural residents living below the current poverty line should be lifted out of poverty by 2020. It will be the first time in China's history that extreme poverty is eliminated.

In 2019, the goal is to lift 10 million rural residents above the poverty line.

Besides poverty-reduction, Xi has also discussed issues concerning people's aspirations for a better life, including education, jobs, food safety, healthcare, social security and environmental protection, during previous visits.

Following the people-oriented approach, the Party first and foremost ensures the backing, approval and endorsement of the people, in considering and introducing policies.

"Our people are the solid foundation of the country, and are our main source of confidence as the ruling party," said Xi in his new year speech.