A photo finish

Stressing the need to identify and take stock of the prominent weaknesses and tasks that must be overcome, the focus should be on those below the poverty line who are old, weak, ill and disabled, as well as regions mired in extreme poverty. Additionally, environmental protection, public services and infrastructure should be targeted in areas where weaknesses are identified.

The concept of a moderately prosperous society in all respects bridges ancient and modern wisdom as China plans to achieve the standard this year.

Since China launched its reform and opening-up in the late 1970s, the country has carried out largescale poverty alleviation, embarking on the most spectacular poverty reduction campaign in human history. According to World Bank figures, 850 million people have been lifted out of poverty since the reform and opening-up began. After seven years of targeted efforts, the number of poverty-stricken counties in China dropped from 832 to 52 as of the end of 2019.