On This Day | China’s Xi Jinping declares defeat of extreme poverty in 2021 – SCMP archive
South China Morning Post
by SCMPFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
China has officially declared victory in its fight against extreme poverty, marking a monumental milestone in modern history. President Xi Jinping highlighted the success during a ceremony in Beijing on February 25, 2021, where he praised the achievement as "unprecedented" and unmatched by any other nation. Over the past eight years, China has lifted an additional 100 million people out of poverty, bringing the total to 850 million since the start of the campaign. Xi emphasized that no country has achieved such rapid progress in reducing poverty within such a short timeframe.
This achievement is closely tied to China's ambitious economic reforms and its ability to recover swiftly from the COVID-19 pandemic while navigating ongoing tensions with the United States. The success of the poverty alleviation campaign reflects China's commitment to improving living standards and achieving sustainable development goals. By focusing on infrastructure investment, social programs, and targeted poverty reduction strategies, the country has made significant strides in addressing inequality and fostering economic growth.
The eradication of extreme poverty is a defining achievement for China and its leadership under Xi Jinping. It not only reshapes the lives of hundreds of millions of people but also positions China as a global leader in development and poverty reduction. This accomplishment underscores the importance of strategic planning, political will, and sustained effort in tackling systemic challenges like poverty. For readers interested in global progress and economic development, this achievement offers valuable insights into how large-scale reforms can drive transformative change on an unprecedented scale.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/25/2026