Premier Li Keqiang stressed the importance of enhanced temporary assistance for people in need at the State Council executive meeting on July 19.

Since its establishment in 2013, the nationwide temporary assistance system has effectively supported impoverished families, and more funds from the central government have also been in place to support the system.

Last year, about 10 million people in China received temporary assistance, which helped to make the lives of those living in hardship easier.

At a State Council executive meeting held in October 2013, Premier Li said the temporary assistance system was a basic measure to safeguard the livelihood of people and social fairness.

“It is a safety net and a bottom line for people living in need, and a way to protect their rights of living and dignity,” he said.

In July 2015, the State Council then decided to roll out critical illness insurance for rural and urban residents.

Premier Li said the insurance effectively bailed out families with huge medical costs, giving a sense of safety to all residents.

The national coverage of the critical illness insurance was also included in the Government Work Report in 2016, and covered all rural and urban residents at the end of last year, as promised by Premier Li.

With care for the livelihood for people from the central government and Premier Li, the temporary assistance system and critical illness insurance, along with other policies on social assistance, could anchor social stability by supporting those in poverty and difficulty.