This year marks five years since China declared the complete eradication of extreme poverty — an achievement worth reflecting on as economic distress among the poor in the United States circulates on Chinese social networking sites.

Recent online discussions have centered on a metaphor circulating online: The US "death line". It describes a perceived scenario where a single crisis can plunge a stably employed person into ruin. The scenario has prompted public reflection on the differing philosophies behind poverty alleviation efforts in China and abroad.

From 2012 to 2020, China lifted nearly 100 million people above the national poverty line — set at 2,300 yuan ($329.44) per year. This accomplishment met the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goal on poverty reduction a full decade ahead of schedule.

While some critics say the monetary threshold is set too low, such a view misses the essence of China's strategy. The income line was never the end goal, but rather the starting point. True success is measured by the comprehensive standard known as the "Two No Worries and Three Guarantees" — ensuring that people have adequate food and clothing, plus guaranteed access to healthcare, education, safe housing and clean drinking water.

China's approach is one of holistic upliftment. Beyond securing the basics, its poverty alleviation campaign fosters local industries, creates sustainable jobs and provides vocational training across rural regions. The goal has been to build a lasting foundation for self-reliance, reflected in the policy of maintaining support for five years after a household exited poverty — a measure officials describe as "helping them onto a horse and accompanying them for part of the journey".

According to data released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs in December, over the past five years the authorities identified 7 million individuals who remained vulnerable and assisted them lest they fall back into hardship. Notably, there have been no reported cases of students from formerly impoverished families dropping out during the compulsory education period. Basic medical insurance coverage remains stable at over 99 percent, and access to tap water in rural areas has reached 94 percent.

This sustained effort has established a poverty alleviation model focused not merely on surpassing an income line, but on ensuring lasting empowerment and security. Building on this foundation, China's development strategy is now evolving to deepen investment in human potential, further keeping its populace away from a "death line".

The Recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–30) for National Economic and Social Development, adopted at the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee on Oct 23, outlined a strategic shift toward greater investment in human capital — such as childcare, eldercare, health and education. This requires directing more resources toward the vital social sectors.

The approach focuses on enhancing human capabilities, safeguarding health, fostering career development and unlocking individual potential — ultimately driving high-quality growth through stronger consumption and improved human capital. Unlike traditional models that prioritize physical infrastructure for quicker returns, investing in people reflects a more mature philosophy: rebalancing from short-term outputs toward long-term prosperity built on a resilient, healthy and skilled population.

China is building a ladder of sustainable mobility by investing in human potential. Its experience demonstrates that true security lies not in catching people after they fall, but in ensuring they stand on firm ground from the outset. This approach offers a timely example for other nations, as global poverty rises and the deadline for the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals draws closer.

- Li Lei, China Daily