Social Protection in Rural China: Recent Developments and Prospects

Although China's remarkable economic growth over the past two decades has raised standards of living for many millions of people, poverty remains a serious problem, particularly in the rural areas. To address the problem, the government has introduced several new social protection measures directed at the country's rural areas, and it has sought to enhance the effectiveness of existing programs. These programs are discussed and their limitations, as well as prospects of providing social protection for all, are examined. While it is recognized that much has been achieved, additional policy adjustments will be needed to extend social protection to China's rural population.