The causes of poverty, rather than poverty itself, are the main challenges China faces as it developes.

Xi Jinping, Party leader and head of the country’s military, recently visited Fuping county in North China’s Hebei province, a poverty-stricken mountainous area. Reports of his visit showed how poor the area is, even though it is not far from prosperous Beijing.

It seems as if the lifestyles of the people there have not  adapted to match China’s rapid development. They are drifting further away from mainstream Chinese society. Poor geological conditions  are only superficial causes of local poverty. Scarce public resources in finance, economy, society, education and medical care are another cause. Peasants lack necessary technological and financial assistance to eradicate poverty.

Plans to plant fruit trees, raise sheep, as well as other economic measures all  failed due to lack of technical guidance and financial support.

The central government not only needs to increase its financial input in such areas but also promote more public resources to help local people  lift themselves out of poverty.