Over the past three years, 10 minority villages in Hulun Buir have each been given subsidies of 1.2 million yuan (US$160,000), as well as benefiting from a range of agricultural projects to help reduce poverty. As a result farmers' average annual income over the period has risen from 900 yuan to 3,000 yuan.

Similar measures tailored for minority-populated areas will be introduced in a further 29 villages in the city this year.

Mao Gongning, director-general of the policy and regulation department of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission said: "As a long-term fundamental political policy, this notion of autonomy will further unify the country."

Editor:Chen Ge