Derung Bids Farewell to Poverty

In southwest Chinas Yunnan Province， Dulongjiang Township is inhabited by the Derung ethnic group. Due to its mountainous terrain， transport previously depended on human and horses. Today， the Derung communities have eradicated poverty， with their story causing a sensation across the country.

To build a well-off society in an allround way by 2020， in time for the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China （CPC）， which was founded in 1921， is the first Centenary Goal of the Party. President Xi Jinping， also General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee， proposed no one will be left behind in the march toward prosperity. This means that the whole of society should reach the goal， including all of Chinas ethnic groups.

The Derung ethnic group has only 7，000 or so members， ranking among the smallest in terms of population. It transitioned to the socialist society directly from the late period of the primitive era after the Peoples Republic of China was founded in 1949. Its success in ridding itself of poverty acts as a prime example of moving forward together.

The fact that the Derung ethnic group has， on the whole， shaken off poverty proves that the aim of eliminating it across China is attainable. Currently， Chinas poverty alleviation has entered a key stage. Whether China can eliminate poverty by 2020 will affect progress in accomplishing its goal of building a moderately prosperous society.

The area where the Derung people reside had long been cut off from the outside world by colossal mountains. They used to live in a slash-and-burn state. When an ethnic group living in such inhospitable natural conditions can be lifted out of poverty， other places will be greatly inspired to reach their poverty alleviation goals by developing an economy that exploits local advantages. In this sense， China looks poised to complete the process of building a well-off society in all respects on schedule.

The changes that have taken place in Dulongjiang prove the CPCs paramount role in helping residents realize the poverty alleviation dream. Under the leadership of the CPC， efforts are well organized. Roads have been built to connect their habitation with the outside world. These roads are leading the Derung people toward prosperity.

This ethnic group living in primitive conditions several decades ago has now left poverty behind. This success story deserves to be shared with people in other poverty-stricken areas， not only in China but across the world.