The Chinese State Council has announced the country's strategy of rural vitalization. On Monday, senior officials presented a package of policies under the "No. 1 central document", which charts the roadmap for China's rural vitalization. Zheng Yibing reports.

It's the 15th year in a row that China's "No. 1 central document" has been devoted to agriculture, farmers and rural areas. This year, it's mostly on the strategy of rural vitalization and its implementation.

HAN JUN, DIRECTOR OFFICE OF CENTRAL RURAL WORK LEADING GROUP "The rural vitalization is not only about economic development, but also all other aspects, including political, cultural, social, and ecological progress, as well as the Party's building. The ultimate aim is to speed up modernization in rural areas."

The strategy was put forward by the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China last October. Its timetable was decided by the CPC Central Committee at an agriculture meeting in December. Objectives for different stages have become more specific.

By 2020, the institutional framework and policy system will take shape, by 2035, modernization of agriculture and rural areas will fundamentally become a reality, and by 2050, rural areas should have strong agriculture, a beautiful countryside, and well-off farmers.

To achieve that, multiple measures will be in position, as a detailed national plan is being discussed for the period from 2018 to 2022.

HAN JUN, DIRECTOR OFFICE OF CENTRAL RURAL WORK LEADING GROUP "These include a strategic plan, Party regulations, an increasingly sound rule of law, a leader responsibility system, a series of important strategies, and major actions and projects. These also include arrangements dealing with farmers' concerns, comprehensive institutional supply, and planning to solve the problem of 'where does the money come from'."

The document puts a lot of emphasis on the need for proper planning. Local governments have been required to specify their plans according to the local reality, and to coordinate policy-making in relevant spheres.

The package of policies also includes better rural governance, strengthened leadership of the CPC, better education and medical services, improved living facilities such as toilets, and reforms on land use and collective property rights.

ZHENG YIBING BEIJING "Officials say the strategy of rural vitalization is a 'historic task' -- essential in accomplishing China's modernization goals and building a moderately prosperous society. And it needs persistent efforts from all aspects. ZHENG YIBING CGTN BEIJING."