China livelihood and urban development initiatives

Chinese President Xi Jinping has outlined a series of directives focused on improving public welfare and social stability through targeted economic and urban policies.

Initially, the focus was placed on strengthening basic livelihood construction. This strategy emphasizes meeting public aspirations for education, stable employment, social security, and healthcare. Key measures include protecting low-income groups, supporting small and micro enterprises, and expanding the middle-income group through income distribution reforms. The objective is to integrate these social improvements with broader economic development to act as a stabilizer during structural transitions.

This focus subsequently expanded into a people-centered philosophy for urban development. Xi has advocated for urban renewal initiatives designed to improve citizens’ sense of security and happiness, emphasizing that cities should be built ‘by the people and for the people.’

Key aspects of this governance strategy include shantytown renovation, waste sorting, and the development of green, low-carbon, and smart infrastructure. Xi has stressed the importance of avoiding extreme urban inequality, stating, ‘we cannot have cities with skyscrapers on the one side and slums on the other.’ The strategy aims to create livable, resilient, and efficient cities that may offer lessons and opportunities for cooperation with developing countries.