The rural villages of Malipo, China, are a far cry from the gleaming cities of Beijing and Shanghai. Located in the thickly forested, highly mountainous border region of southwest China, Malipo’s narrow roads sometimes skirt dangerously close to deep ravines. Schoolchildren eat simple breakfasts while squatting on sidewalks, and local officials complain about the lack of access to the latest 5G internet connection.
Despite these challenges, Chinese officials point to Malipo as a model for the country’s poverty alleviation efforts. “We have full confidence and the capability to overcome all difficulties,” Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying said during a government-sponsored trip to Malipo. “As for what the United States is doing, we really don’t want any kind of war, but if we have to face up to reality, then we have no fear at all,” she added. “The ordinary people already feel the suffering from the tariff war, so I really hope the [U.S.] administration will come back to normal.”
Malipo, with a population of 233,000 spread among several towns and hundreds of “village groups,” has made significant progress in recent decades. The per capita disposable income in Malipo was $2,300 last year, a significant increase from $69 in 1992. However, Beijing’s professed confidence belies real concern about the work that remains to be done, particularly in addressing China’s urban-rural divide and slowing economic growth.
Residents of Malipo are aware of the economic challenges facing the region. “The economy is not that good,” said Liu Huixin, a vendor selling processed fruits and other products from Vietnam and Thailand. “Look at many shops around, people are not buying,” he added.
Key Statistics:
- Population: 233,000 people spread among several towns and hundreds of “village groups” in Malipo
- Per Capita Disposable Income: $2,300 (last year), up from $69 in 1992
- Rural Population: Over 500 million people live in rural areas, making up 35% of China’s population¹
- Poverty Alleviation: China aims to reduce income inequality and promote sustainable development in rural areas through initiatives like tourism villages²
China’s rural development model is a complex mix of progress and challenges. While the country has made significant strides in poverty alleviation, it still grapples with structural imbalances and slowing economic growth. As China strives to catch up with the United States, ending “absolute poverty” remains a crucial goal.