Seek truths from numbers

Nation should improve compiling of statistics in fast-changing world and begin including a full range of individuals

National statistics have a crucial bearing on the government's decision-making if policies are implemented efficiently. They also greatly inform about people's daily lives. Recently, China's statistical work has taken a hit for its capacity, quality and credibility in detailing the economic globalization and how the nation's information technology is advancing.

Though the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee passed the revised "Statistics Law of the People's Republic of China" in June 2009, raising the hopes of many at the time, the reality is that China's statistical work is far from satisfactory.