China bolsters social assistance system to prevent poverty relapse

China has expanded its social assistance system to provide stronger support to vulnerable populations, including those on the verge of qualifying for subsistence allowance and families burdened by compulsory expenses, a senior official said on Friday.

Lu Zhiyuan, minister of civil affairs, told a news conference that the system aims to prevent large-scale relapse into poverty and improve living standards, adding that the central government has introduced a national dynamic monitoring and regular assistance system for disadvantaged groups.

He cited data showing that the average minimum subsistence allowance for urban areas has risen by 19.6 percent compared to that in 2020, with rural areas noting a 21.3 percent increase. To date, 39.4 million people are receiving regular minimum subsistence allowances.

Additionally, he noted that social organizations have been playing a crucial role in enhancing livelihoods, with the expansion of the charitable sector. Now, the country has registered over 16,000 charitable organizations, an increase of 70 percent compared to 2020, he added.