ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author focuses on the following questions. First, especially during the period 2000–2010, what measures have been taken to alleviate poverty in rural China? Second, what new policies are being carried out in response to the most imperative living and development needs of extremely poor households and individuals? Third, what other crucial measures should be taken to help the extremely poor escape marginality and poverty? China's experiences with addressing extreme poverty and marginality are presented and analyzed. In developed regions, the "Di Bao" social assistance program, social insurance and public services have effectively mitigated the difficulties of the extremely poor. The evolution of effective and efficient policies, especially in rural areas, is found closely connected to China's economic growth, as well as to regional inequality. China has developed its rural social protection system during a process of socioeconomic transformation. China's poverty reduction policies have always featured poverty elimination through development.
