Xi's Yunnan visit highlights poverty elimination, ethnic solidarity

In his first domestic inspection tour in 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping sought to rally support for a "tough battle" against poverty, and to speed up growth in the country's relatively underdeveloped ethnic regions.

Speaking in an inspection in southwest China's Yunnan Province that lasted from Jan. 19 to 21, Xi said authorities must accelerate poverty elimination efforts to support the building of a moderately prosperous country.

"The 'new normal' has not changed China's international status as the world's largest developing country," Xi said, referring to the current pace of economic development.

"[There is] only five to six years left for us to complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, time will not wait for us," Xi said, highlighting that poverty relief was the most arduous task.

Authorities must expedite poverty relief work -- with more action than words, he urged, adding that measures must be more effective.

Ludian County, which experienced a 6.5 magnitude earthquake in August last year, was the first on the president's inspection agenda.

While in Longtoushan Town, the epicenter of the quake, he reviewed post-disaster reconstruction efforts and advised that the buildings must be able to withstand a quake of a similar magnitude and above.

The people staying in Ganjiazhai Village, where a temporary camp was set up for those displaced by the quake, warmly welcomed Xi. He greeted the crowd and inspected inside the tents to check the quality and thickness of their quilts.

"The disaster destroyed your homes, but the [Communist] Party [of China]and the government will help you build more beautiful ones," Xi said.

Xi also promised the people that their standard of living would be improved, and the government would continue to increase investment in rural areas and help to raise farmers' incomes.

Experts said Xi's Yunnan visit shows the central leadership is increasing its focus on disadvantaged groups in society.

"This has become a key principle of the leadership's efforts to improve the lives of the people of China," said Xie Chunfei, a professor with the Party School of the CPC Central Committee.

Despite being the world's second largest economy, China still has 92 million people who still live in poverty.

"In this sense, President Xi's Yunnan visit is of immense practical significance," said Xie, as it puts the issue under the spotlight, and could spur more social welfare system measures.