Poverty reduction is one of the critical battles China is currently fighting. Our reporter Liu Yang brings us the latest from Wednesday afternoon's press conference on this topic, held by the State Poverty Alleviation Office.

Reporters are gearing up. They're ready to ask tough questions. Questions on the challenges of lifting 30 million people out of poverty, cooperation along the Belt and Road countries, and improving infrastructure in areas of extreme poverty. The government aims to help 10 million poor people this year. The task of alleviating poverty still has a lot of challenges ahead.

LIU ZHIQIN SENIOR FELLOW, CHONGYANG INSTITUTE FOR FINANCIAL STUDIES RENMIN UNIVERSITY OF CHINA "The most difficulties arise because China has a vast population living across a vast area, with many living in extremely poor conditions. In these extreme conditions, I think it is not enough to just deliver some money or just provide loans to help them in the short term. We need to help them get rid of poverty in the long term."

Over the past five years, living standards have constantly improved. Decisive progress in the fight against poverty has been made. President Xi has put himself on the frontlines of this battle. He visited many of the country's poorest regions during this time. In February, President Xi toured poor villages in a mountainous area in China's Sichuan Province. The leader's message was clear: As the country builds a moderately prosperous society by 2020, no one should be left behind. His visit served as a guide for the central and local governments when they carry out their duties.

LIU ZHIQIN SENIOR FELLOW, CHONGYANG INSTITUTE FOR FINANCIAL STUDIES RENMIN UNIVERSITY OF CHINA "I think the major job will be to help them be well educated, have more skills and more knowledge on doing business or operating their daily lives. As we know there is big reform in the countryside, the land reform. I think this is the major challenge faced our government."

Over the past five years, the central government has allotted over 280 billion yuan to fund poverty reduction. More than 68 million people have been lifted out of poverty. This includes over eight million relocated from inhospitable areas. Meanwhile, the poverty headcount ratio has dropped from 10.2 to 3.1 percent.