Chinesische Statistik im Umbruch

Konsequenzen für die wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Forschung am Beispiel der Unternehmens- und Industriestatistik

Abstract

High hopes in the potential of the Chinese economy sometimes tempt people to neglect the problems stemming from the statistical basis on which economic analysis concerning China is built. The experience of the Asianfinancial crisis has made economists realize how little in detail we know about the quality of Chinese statistics. This article summarizes the methodological, structural, and institutional sources for laws in the Chinese statistical system in general, and demonstrates the repercussions of these flaws on the measurement of industrial concentration. The author pledges for sensitive use of Chinese statistics in economic analysis and makes points for more detailed research into the Chinese statistical system and China's information politics.