9Poverty is the common enemy of mankind. It is also a challenge facing each and every nation, as well as international community. To promote economic development, eliminate poverty, and achieve common prosperity are ideals that mankind constantly pursues. To date, China's poverty reduction program has to a large extent been limited to addressing the poverty problem in rural areas. The Chinese government's efforts to lift people out of poverty and to reduce the number of people living below the poverty line in its own country are part of a greater contribution to mankind's wider struggle.

China has a population of more than 1.4 billion, and everyone needs food, clothing, housing, and means of travel, which are all fundamental requirements. The fight against poverty has been an ongoing struggle throughout the whole process of China's economic development and social progress.