Vice-Premier Wang Yang paid a visit to Liangshan Yi autonomous prefecture, in Southwest China’s Sichuan province, for an inspection of the implementation of poverty alleviation.

Wang stressed the difficulties and importance of lifting ethnic groups out of poverty, and urged the government to ensure that all ethnic groups shake off poverty within five years.

In Zhaojue county and Butuo county from May 23 to May 25, Wang inspected the works on educational and financial poverty alleviation.

Wang noted that the Yi ethic group has greatly contributed to the Chinese revolution. We will fulfill the promise of providing a better life for the Yi people, he added.

Wang urged accelerating the improvement of their living conditions, in which adequate food and clothing will be ensured, and compulsory education, basic medical care and safe housing will be guaranteed before 2020.

He also advocates the concept of a modern and civilized lifestyle to further alleviate poverty for all ethnic groups.