Goal and objectives. The article analyzes the state policy of Russia and China on poverty alleviation, conducted a comparative analysis of the strategy of the two countries in solving the problem, basic areas, social programs, measures, measures of social support for poor categories of citizens. The general and specific approaches of each. The results achieved are considered, as well as the objectives set by each country in this direction for the near and far term.

Methods. The study uses a set of general scientific methods, such as analysis, synthesis, generalization, comparison, system-functional and integrated approach. Within the framework of the stated theme, theoretical provisions and modern approaches were systematic on the basis of the study of the works of various authors, federal and regional regulatory documents, official statistics.

Results. The theoretical and practical significance of the study is to specify and organize the modern strategic approaches of the state policy of Russia and China, both in the sphere of poverty alleviation and in the provision of state social assistance to poor categories of citizens. These areas of state social policy of each country are not sufficiently researched by national science. The analysis provides an opportunity to identify the state of poverty in Russia and China, actualizes the importance of state policy to reduce poverty in each country, justifies the need for its further improvement in this direction. The findings highlight the positive results achieved by countries to date and identify the ways that have led to them, which can further promote public social policies to overcome poverty in each country and the system of state social assistance to the poor.

Scientific novelty. The scientific novelty lies in the study of the state policy of Russia and China to reduce the poverty level of the population, as one of the most acute problems of both countries. The article shows the characteristics of poverty in each country, the scale and concentration of poverty, the trend of changing poverty in recent years as a result of the efforts of states and new strategies in public social policy. Weaknesses and strengths in the state social policy to overcome poverty in Russia and China have been identified. The lack of effectiveness of the organization of state social assistance to poor categories of citizens is justified. The conclusions are drawn on the versatility of ways to overcome poverty, the need to unite the efforts of all countries in this direction, the fruitfulness of the exchange of experience accumulated by different countries.