Faced with skepticism about the reliability of its data, China is reportedly revising its statistics law to prevent persistent data fraud. The amended bill was submitted to the standing committee of the National People’s Congress for discussion.
It would appear that this amendment would help strengthen statistical control and also help authorities determine legal liability. Adding that the authorities will increase fines for illegal behavior by companies or public institutions that refuse or delay the communication of data.
Well, this comes at a bit of a sensitive time for China given the state of its economy. Beijing will want to prove that it can still achieve its growth goal consistently, and wants to appear credible in this regard. My view is that it will take more transparency and more years of truly honest reporting to change any current perceptions. One or two years of happiness will not be enough to make up for the fact that we have experienced decades of skepticism about the reliability of Chinese data.
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