In recent years, China has achieved a remarkable milestone by eliminating extreme poverty as declared by the United Nations.
This success story is a testament to the comprehensive and concerted efforts undertaken by the Chinese government, especially since 2012.
This is the perspective of a native Chinese person living in China. She has witnessed firsthand how these strategies have transformed the lives of millions, ensuring infrastructure is built and basic needs such as housing, food, healthcare, education, and employment are met for every citizen.
Infrastructure
The foundation of China’s poverty eradication efforts lies in its significant investment in infrastructure. The government has built roads reaching even the most remote villages, some of which have only a handful of residents. This development is not just about roads but extends to electricity and internet connectivity, bringing modern amenities and opportunities to rural areas. The presence of reliable infrastructure has been crucial in integrating these regions into the broader economy, facilitating trade, mobility, and access to services.
Housing
In addition to infrastructure, the Chinese government has rolled out numerous policies to enhance rural living conditions. One notable initiative is the provision of free raw materials such as cement, steel, and wood for constructing houses. Farmers are encouraged to rebuild their homes using these materials, improving their living conditions through their labor. This approach has significantly upgraded the housing standards for millions of rural families, ensuring they have safe and decent places to live.
Health Care
Healthcare has also seen substantial improvements. The introduction of rural medical insurance has ensured that poor farmers can access basic healthcare services. While this insurance might not cover costly procedures like heart surgery, it does provide essential care, allowing patients to receive diagnoses and treatments at hospitals. This has dramatically reduced the number of deaths occurring at home due to the inability to afford medical care, ensuring that even the poorest have access to professional health services.
Education
Education has been another pillar of China’s poverty alleviation strategy. The implementation of nine-year free compulsory education ensures that no child is left behind due to financial constraints. It is illegal to deny children their right to education, and the government enforces this strictly, even to the extent of removing custody from non-compliant parents. In rural areas, children receive a free packet of milk and lunch daily, which, while modest, makes a significant difference in ensuring their well-being and ability to learn effectively.
Employment
Urban poverty has been addressed through employment guarantees. The government has created numerous public welfare jobs in sectors like city sanitation, community security, and traffic management. Factories were set up for mass employment, and rural-to-urban migration provided jobs to ensure the sustainability of families. This policy ensures that every poor family in urban areas has at least one adult in full-time employment, providing financial stability and improving their quality of life.
These comprehensive measures have required a massive investment of over US$2 trillion since 2012. This figure is comparable to the costs of the US wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, highlighting the scale and commitment of China's poverty eradication efforts. This substantial investment has paid off, lifting millions out of extreme poverty and setting a global example of how coordinated and sustained government intervention can make a significant impact on poverty reduction.
As a native Chinese, she is proud of the progress her country has made. The journey to eliminate extreme poverty has not only improved living standards but also brought hope and opportunities to countless families across China. This success story is a beacon of what can be achieved with determination, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of all citizens.
By: Kpost
Information Source: Quora
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