Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for an intensification of the "toilet revolution" campaign as China sets its sights on improving the living conditions of its rural population.

According to the president, the aim for "cleaner toilets" is part of Beijing's plan for rural vitalization, the country's new goal after its victory in poverty alleviation.

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Despite China's status as the world's second-largest economy, toilets in poorer rural areas are sometimes little more than makeshift shelters surrounded by trees and weeds, while others are open pits next to pigsties, which could lead to contamination from human waste and potentially pose health risks to villagers.

In the recent instruction, Xi stressed that the quality of the reformed toilets is always more important than the numbers. He also urged officials from all levels to take responsibility. 

Starting from 2015, China launched the "toilet revolution" campaign. Statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs show that, as of 2018, over 10 million rural toilets had been upgraded, accounting for more than half the total number in rural areas.

Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua voiced a similar message at a recent meeting held in central China's Hunan Province. Hu urged a comprehensive guidance from local officials, saying that the interests of the rural residents must be ensured.