Beijing (CNS) – The Chinese government has a long way to go in the battle against poverty even though over 67 million citizens crossed that line during the last decade.
According to a newly released national poverty alleviation standard, the "poverty line" now encompasses citizens who make no more than 2300 yuan per year. The number of people eligible for government assistance could reach 128 million by the end of 2011.
"The new standard sets the poverty line higher than before, which is in line with China's social development", says Fan Xiaojian, director of the State Council Lead Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development.
Economic fluctuations impact negatively on China's efforts to improve conditions in its poor regions, especially in western China where unpredictable natural disasters always threaten to return the population to poverty.
The income differential between urban and rural areas also hinders government measures to help people in need. The gap between urban and rural per capita disposable incomes reached 13 thousand yuan in 2010.
