BEIJING, March 20 -- Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang on Monday stressed solid efforts be made to lift over 10 million people out of poverty in rural areas this year.

The basic tone for delivering the target would be "seeking progress while maintaining stability," he said at a meeting of the State Council leading group on poverty relief which deliberated on the annual relief plan.

Wang, who heads the group, said more efforts should be made in key tasks including developing industries in poor areas, relocation of impoverished people, and support in health care and education.

He warned against rashness in delivering the target and highlighted precision in the battle against poverty.

He also stressed imposing stringent supervision on poverty alleviation work and strict investigation into fake progress.

China beat its annual target by lifting 12.4 million people out of poverty in 2016.