CHINESE President Xi Jinping called on Communist Party officials to step up efforts to alleviate poverty and build a prosperous society for all today during a tour of the country.

“Not a single person should be left behind in the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects,” Mr Xi said. “Socialism means development. Development must serve the common prosperity for everyone.”

He was speaking following visits to a number of schools, factories and villages as part of a three-day tour to China’s south-west Chongqing municipality.

The Communist Party of China general secretary said those who are living below the poverty line and those suffering from illness should receive support including minimum living allowances, medical insurance and medical aid.

He stressed the need for CPC members and cadres “to work on the front line in fighting poverty.”

Mr Xi travelled to a mountainous village in Shizhu Tujia Autonomous County yesterday, where he met with Ma Peiqing, a veteran CPC member, and sat in the yard to hold discussions with villagers, primary level officials and village doctors.

He also visited a primary school where he promised to ensure children in poor mountainous regions go to school and have a happy childhood.

Speaking at a symposium that afternoon Mr Xi explained that the basic indicators for the alleviation of poverty by 2020 were that poor people in China were not worried about being able to provide food and clothing for their families and have access to compulsory education, healthcare and safe housing.

“At this crucial stage in winning the battle against poverty, heads of party committees and governments at the provincial level should take up their responsibilities,” he said.

They were also instructed to foster “high-calibre officials that are loyal, clean and responsible, and crack down on the practice of formalities for formalities’ sake and bureaucratism.”