Top leaders urge improving rural conditions

HANGZHOU - Top Chinese leaders have urged improving the working and living conditions in rural areas, citing successes in the eastern province of Zhejiang over the past decade.

Hailing achievements in improving the rural environment in Zhejiang, President Xi Jinping has called for spreading the province's experience nationwide.

Zhejiang, located on China's eastern coast, launched a project in 2003 to renovate houses and living facilities in the countryside, improve rural design and planning, and enhance the rural ecological and human environment.

Xi noted that governments in other areas should tailor measures to cater to their own circumstances rather than simply duplicating Zhejiang's approach.

Premier Li Keqiang has also urged local authorities to show respect for farmers' wishes and carry on traditional culture when devising measures or policies.

China's hundreds of millions of rural citizens expect better living conditions, Li said.

Vice Premier Wang Yang said that efforts should be focused on the disposal of waste and sewage and the building of infrastructure in the countryside.

Financial support will be increased for safeguarding rural residents' security of housing and transportation as well as drinking water safety.