China’s GDP figures spark concerns about accuracy
CHINA’S first-half gross domestic product (GDP) figures have raised eyebrows, after combined data from the country’s provinces showed growth well ahead of government estimates.
According to combined information from regional authorities, GDP totalled 15,376bn yuan (£1,334bn) in the first half, 10 per cent higher than the figure predicted by the country’s National Bureau of Statistics.
Of China’s 31 provinces and regions, 24 reported GDP higher than the government’s figure of 7.1 per cent, casting doubt on the official data.
Combined provincial figures often exceed local government data but the difference is greater than usual this year and even state media expressed reservations about the numbers.