targeted assistance and overall regional development, and to promote the implementation of a number of poverty alleviation projects. The “tough battle” against poverty In October 2017, Xi urged “all-out” efforts to fight the “tough battle” against poverty. Two months later a statement was issued after the Central Economic Work Conference which also targeted poverty alleviation as one of three “tough battles” to win on the following three years, along with major risk control and pollution prevention. Significant measures were applied to reach the goal. Banks were encouraged to give microloans to farmers. Rural cooperatives were set up in many places allowing farmers to put together their resources to raise production. “Guiding Opinions on the Three-Year Action Plan to Win the Battle against Poverty” In August 2018, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China issued “Guiding Opinions on the Three Year Action Plan to Win the Battle against Poverty”. The opinions emphasize three major objectives for the last three years of the battle: 1) consolidate the achievements of poverty alleviation; 2) ensure that there are no more poverty-stricken counties and raise the per capita income of the rural population; 3) establish and enhance basic public services in rural areas. Targeted Poverty Alleviation in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic In a speech on March 2020 on the ‘Symposium on the decisive battle and decisive victory in the fight to get rid of poverty’, Xi Jinping stated that the CCP's goal to lift all of the PRC's population out of poverty until 2020 was still within reach – even with increased obstacles due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, Xi also emphasized that the achievement of this goal in 2020 would not mean an end to the party's efforts. A transitional period and enhanced control mechanisms might have to be put in place to prevent unsustainable poverty alleviation and to expose fake poverty alleviation (虚假脱贫 ). This sentiment is also reflected in Li Keqiang‘s statement during a press conference in the course of the 13th National People's Congress in May 2020. Li also spoke about the increased difficulties posed to the CCP’s commitment for 2020. But he also stated that with increased efforts by all government levels and the deployment of security and rescue funds, getting rid of poverty within 2020 was still the unchanged goal for the CCP. Outlook Around 30 million people will still be waiting