【正文】
isation, have led to a notable reduction in poverty since the onset of Mainland China?s economic reforms in 1978 (Charts 7 and 8). The number of rural residents living below the poverty line as defined by the Mainland government declined substantially from 250 million in 1978, or % of the population, to 24 million in 2020, or % of the population. The central government has clearly demonstrated its determination to improve the wellbeing of the rural population through reiterating on many occasions its mitments in addressing the “three rural issues” (三農(nóng)問題 ), which are backed by concrete policy measures. The reforms are designed with a view to addressing the most critical issues and meeting the diverse needs of the rural population. The implementation of some major reforms is well timed and carefully planned, as reflected by the abolishment of the agricultural taxes and various fees amid the strong fiscal position of the government. For the rural population as a whole, their underprivileged treatment in terms of insufficient social provisions such as basic healthcare and free education is expected to be rectified gradually by increasing spending in these areas over the longer term. In addition, attention has been given to securing the rights of rural residents, as reflected by the increased protection of the rights of rural migrant workers. Also importantly, the reforms of rural finance are expected to enhance rural residents? access to finance facilities and thus foster more efficient allocation of rural resources. All these reforms should help to alleviate the problem of rural poverty, improve the living standard in rural areas and build a more equitable and harmonious society in general. While it is too early to assess the full impact of the new rural policies, there appear to be positive results already. Growth of real rural per capita ine has been on a rising trend since 2020. Rural ine sources have bee more diversified, reducing the reliance of the rural population on agricultural activities. The abolition of the agricultural taxes has saved around 5% of the ine of a rural resident, with the elimination of school fees representing additional savings for rural households. In richer cities, rural migrant workers can now enjoy the same social benefits as the native urban residents, which is unprecedented. With the Mainland economy envisaged to continue its robust growth registered in the past few years, the central government is in a good position to intensify the reforms discussed above and push through reforms in other areas. The major policy areas under discussion include better protection of