Part 5/9:
Even as the government claims a GDP growth of 5.4% in early 2023, external analysts are expressing skepticism. Indicators such as the PMI—a measure of manufacturing activity—suggest a contraction instead. Youth unemployment, previously a topic of concern, has skyrocketed, yet the data that once would have illuminated this issue is no longer available. An economist's recent remarks about significant discrepancies in the GDP figures—stating an overestimation of nearly 10%—have led to his disciplinary action by the CCP, illustrating how critical and albeit uncomfortable discussions are being suppressed.