Li: Revitalization of 'rust belt' must push poverty fight

Premier Li Keqiang called on Tuesday for firm efforts to alleviate poverty and improve people's lives as China forges ahead with a campaign to revitalize industrial bases in the country's "rust belt".

He made the remark during a two-day visit to Jilin province that began on Monday in the impoverished Zhenlai county, south of the Greater Khingan Mountains, where temperatures are lower than 20 C.

Achieving victory in targeted poverty alleviation is a strategic arrangement by the Communist Party of China Central Committee, with Xi Jinping at its core, Li said.