BEIJING -- Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli on Monday stressed efforts to improve substandard housing during a teleconference on such work.

China had already exceeded the annual target set at the beginning of 2015 in this regard, he said.

Housing renovation is closely linked to people's livelihoods, and improves the living standards of the disadvantaged, reduces the housing inventory, and supports the property market. All of which work toward achieving stable economic growth, he noted.

A total of 6 million substandard homes will be involved this year and this is a tough task, demanding innovative work, he said.

Supportive policies must be implemented fully and the quality of the projects must be guaranteed, he added.