China aims to complete shantytown renovation by 2020

BEIJING - China promises to improve urban planning, renovate underdeveloped urban areas, and raise the level of city management in a statement issued Tuesday after the Central Urban Work Conference.

Specifically, the country will complete renovation of rundown urban areas and dilapidated housing by 2020, the statement said. The renovation is a crucial part of providing low-income urban residents with affordable housing.

China will also improve urban planning and construction of infrastructure, both underground and overground, the statement said.

Construction standards and project quality will be raised and energy conservation will be stressed.

City management will also be improved. By implementing the residence permit system, the country will promote equal access to basic public services to all permanent city residents, the statement said.