The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has had a profound effect on the economy of the People’s Republic of China (PRC),* especially on agriculture and food systems. The quick and forceful actions of the Government of the PRC in containing the virus have helped to control the pandemic and support economic recovery. In the meantime, the PRC has achieved its goal of ending absolute poverty in 2020 through various policies and investment programs, including the expansion of the coverage of subsistence allowance and unemployment benefits. The question now lies in how to sustain the elimination of absolute poverty, and how to make further progress to achieve various targets beyond income-based absolute poverty, especially in the areas of education, health, housing, rural and urban living conditions, and the environment.

First, productive sectors, including food and agriculture and its postproduction value chains, in rural areas must be revitalized. Rural education, health, and nutrition of rural residents, particularly of children and women, must be re-emphasized or prioritized. Policy should be redesigned to shift focus on the improvement of nutrition instead of grain sufficiency. Providing nutritious and healthy diets for children and women is an essential part of the overall development of human capital.

Second, special attention must be paid to rural migrants. Lack of unemployment protection and other social security insurance leaves migrants vulnerable to shocks. Because migrants predominately work for micro and small enterprises, government financial and policy support to these small businesses are important for mitigating the adverse income effects faced by migrants.

Third, an integrated rural and urban social security system, including unemployment insurance, is a more sustainable solution for building resilience among migrants, smallholder farmers, the urban poor, and other vulnerable groups.

Finally, strengthening rural–urban linkages, including physical, economic, social, and political connections, is crucial for revitalizing rural areas and ending poverty sustainably. Investment in rural infrastructure and in intermediate towns through quality rural and feeder roads, electricity, storage facilities, and communication and information technology can build connections and create hubs of economic activity that benefit smallholders and cities.