New rules crack down on fraud in statistics

China has introduced a new inspection regulation to crack down on statistical fraud and related illegal operations, which is expected to improve the authenticity of economic data and better support policymaking.

The 20-clause regulation, focusing on preventing and punishing statistical fraud, was disclosed by the general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council on Sunday.

It was approved at a meeting of the Committee for Deepening Overall Reform of the CPC Central Committee on July 6 and has been in place since Aug 24.

According to the new regulation, the National Bureau of Statistics is responsible for organizing and conducting statistical inspections, building a mechanism to prevent and penalize fraud and making sure violators are held accountable.