Fact Check: "China has lifted millions out of poverty in recent decades."
What We Know
China has made significant strides in poverty alleviation over the past few decades. According to the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development, the number of poor people in China decreased from 770 million at the end of 1978 to approximately 30.46 million by the end of 2017. This translates to around 740 million individuals lifted out of poverty, averaging nearly 19 million people annually. The poverty headcount ratio also fell dramatically from 97.5% to 3.1%, contributing over 70% to global poverty reduction during this period.
Further evidence from a study analyzing data from 2011 to 2020 indicates that consumption among older Chinese individuals grew by 72.9%, while the poverty rate declined by 59.2% during the same timeframe (Gong et al., 2022). This suggests that not only has poverty decreased overall, but specific demographic groups, particularly older individuals, have also benefited significantly from economic growth and targeted poverty alleviation policies.
Analysis
The claim that "China has lifted millions out of poverty" is supported by multiple credible sources. The World Bank corroborates this by stating that nearly 800 million people have been lifted out of poverty since the late 1970s, which accounts for more than 75% of global poverty reduction during the same period. This aligns with the findings from the State Council, reinforcing the validity of the claim.
Additionally, the Wikipedia entry on poverty in China provides historical context, noting that the poverty rate fell from 88% in 1981 to 0.7% in 2015, indicating a consistent trend of poverty reduction. The BBC also highlights that China's poverty reduction efforts were closely linked to sustained economic growth, particularly in rural areas (BBC).
While the sources cited are generally reliable, it is important to note that government reports, such as those from the State Council, may carry a degree of bias as they are produced by the Chinese government. However, the corroboration from independent sources like the World Bank and academic studies lends credibility to the claims made about poverty alleviation in China.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The assertion that "China has lifted millions out of poverty in recent decades" is substantiated by a wealth of data from multiple credible sources. The significant reduction in poverty rates and the number of individuals lifted out of poverty, as reported by both governmental and independent organizations, confirm the accuracy of this claim.
