BEIJING — Vice-Premier Wang Yang on Dec 19 called for solid implementation of poverty relief measures.

Wang, also head of the State Council Leading Group of Poverty Alleviation and Development, said at a national meeting that the country has achieved its poverty relief target this year, but more must be done in 2017, a significant year in the fight against poverty.

Wang urged all departments and local authorities to help the poor through the development of local industries and an improved employment and social security network.

He also ordered better supervision of poverty relief funds and harsher punishments for malpractice.

China has lifted 700 million people out of poverty through more than 30 years of reform and opening-up, accounting for more than 70 percent of the global reduction in poverty.

The country’s fight against poverty remains tough. At the end of 2015, China had 55.75 million people living in poverty, equivalent to the population of a medium-sized country.