A prominent Chinese economist who questioned the official economic growth rate announced by the Chinese government has reportedly been disciplined.
According to the US daily The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 8th (local time), Chinese President Xi Jinping recently became furious at a well-known Chinese economist who stated that China's economic growth rate was below the official figure of 5% and ordered disciplinary action.
WSJ, citing multiple sources familiar with the matter, reported that President Xi instructed authorities to investigate and discipline Gao Shanyuan, the chief economist of the state-owned SDIC Securities. Gao is a famous macroeconomist who advises the Chinese government on economic and financial policies.
According to sources, President Xi was angered by Gao's remarks at a forum jointly held last month on the 12th by the US think tank Peterson Institute for International Economics and a Chinese think tank.
At the forum, Gao said, "We do not know the true figures of China's real growth rate and other economic indicators," adding, "While the official figures for the past two to three years are close to an average annual growth rate of 5%, the actual figure is likely around 2%."
Gao also criticized, "Their (the government's) efforts to revitalize the economy are very opportunistic," and "As a result, they will not be able to keep their promises."
Following Gao's remarks, his WeChat account was blocked last month. The event at Nankai University, where Gao was scheduled to speak on the 11th, was also canceled.
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