Xi: Seeking no quick success in anti-poverty campaign

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We must not seek quick success and instant benefits in the anti-poverty campaign, nor must we fabricate achievements, Chinese President Xi Jinping said when he attended a group meeting during this year's NPC and CPPCC sessions. President Xi has so far participated in four group meetings held among representatives from the sectors of culture, arts and social sciences as well as delegates from Inner Mongolia, Henan Province and Gansu Province and offered his sincere advice.

Unwavering commitment to environmental protection

On March 5, Xi Jinping attended a panel discussion with delegates from northern Inner Mongolia. In his speech, Xi highlighted the importance of environmental protection.

"We should not simply set up new projects to achieve economic growth at the cost of environment, not to mention crossing ecological redlines, only because we face some challenges in development.”

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, joins deliberation with deputies from central China's Henan Province at the second session of the 13th National People's Congress in Beijing, China, March 8, 2019. /Xinhua Photo.

Xi said that pollution prevention and environmental protection are two major issues that must be addressed. “Despite all difficulties, we must press ahead with determination and get the job done.”

He also urged that environmental protection should be conducted with unwavering commitment and rigorous enforcement.

Pollution prevention is an integral part of environmental protection. To address people's pressing concerns on the environment, Xi demanded to keep up the current effort and momentum in tackling environmental problems, resolutely hold polluting businesses accountable, and continue with China's endeavor in full air pollution control in critical areas.

Seek no instant benefits in anti-poverty

"Never stop without complete success," Xi pointed out the ultimate objective of the anti-poverty campaign while attending a discussion with delegates from northwestern Gansu Province on March 7.

There are only two years left to meet the goal of eradicating extreme poverty by 2020.

"We still need to work harder on the poorest of the poor who are struggling with the worst financial hardships. This is indeed a hard nut to crack,” said Xi.

How is the work supposed to be done?

Chinese President Xi Jinping joins deliberation with deputies from central China's Henan Province at the second session of the 13th National People's Congress in Beijing, China, March 8, 2019. /Xinhua Photo.

On poverty alleviation, Xi noted, "All efforts in this regard should be down to earth with no inflated goals, and no one is allowed to lower the standard of the campaign to meet certain objectives ostensibly."

Warning against "fake" poverty alleviation work, Xi stressed that "We must not seek quick success and instant benefits, nor must we fabricate achievements."

On the follow-up, after a particular area is raised above the poverty threshold set by the government, Xi said, "We should not simply walk away, thinking that the problem has been solved for good. The effort to lift the destitute population completely out of poverty must continue.”

Food security must be guaranteed

On March 8, Xi joined deliberation with delegates from Henan Province and made important remarks on implementing the rural revitalization strategy and addressing the Three Rural Issues (regarding agriculture, rural areas and farmers).

Chinese President Xi Jinping talks with deputies from central China's Henan Province when joining deliberation with deputies at the second session of the 13th National People's Congress in Beijing, China, March 8, 2019. /Xinhua Photo.

Xi noted, “The top task for implementing the rural revitalization strategy is to ensure supply of important farm produce, grain in particular.”

He also expressed his expectations on central Henan Province, a major agricultural producer in China. “Henan should contribute its full share to food security,” and “make sure that people can have safe and sufficient agricultural products.”

Holding fast to the principle of sustainable development, addressing our weakness in rural infrastructure, strengthening our effort in rural governance, and making the most of reform and opening-up – these are the guidelines provided by Xi for the implementation of the rural revitalization strategy.

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