SCIO briefing on China's economic growth in the first three quarters of 2020
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E-mail China.org.cn, October 20, 2020
New York Times:
The 0.6 percentage points contribution from foreign trade was a considerable widening in the trade surplus. Is that sustainable going forward? Particularly, is it sustainable given that it partly seems to depend on a decrease in the number of imported education services, in effect, due to the decline in students going out? Thank you.
Liu Aihua:
Thank you for your question. The net exports of goods and services contributed 0.1 percentage points to the GDP growth in the first three quarters, and 0.6 percentage points in the third quarter. China's GDP grew 4.9% year-on-year in the third quarter. Net exports of goods and services contributed 0.6 percentage points; final consumption expenditure and gross capital formation contributed 4.3 percentage points. Generally, domestic demand is the primary driving force behind economic growth. You asked why export performance is good this year, saying that the widening trade surplus may result from a decrease in imports. This seems inconsistent with the statistics of the month. In September, China's exports grew by 8.7%, and imports by 11.6%. Generally, the increase in exports was attributable to some objective factors. For example, China leads the world in epidemic control. Chinese enterprises' returning to normal work contributes to global work resumption and epidemic control. In terms of imports, as China's economy rebounds and domestic demand picks up steam, our demand for imports is also increasing. Overall, China's current economic rebound not only drives its own growth but also boosts global economic recovery.
CNR:
Door-to-door registration for China's seventh national population census has kicked off. Could you brief us on the latest progress? Different from previous ones, this year's census is being taken in the context of epidemic control. Does the NBS have any plan to deal with the special situation? What role does the population census play in formulating China's 14th Five-Year Plan and future targets for 2035? Thank you.
Liu Aihua:
Thank you for your attention to the national population census. As many of you may know, door-to-door registration kicked off on Oct. 11 and will continue until Oct. 31. Some residents have already received phone calls or household visits. I want to share some knowledge about the national population census, as everyone present here is the object of the survey. The population provides the most basic information about the national condition and serves as the most fundamental production factor. China conducts a national population census every 10 years, and the current one is the 7th national population census. The nationwide census is of great significance because it is a major survey of our national condition and strength, conducted as socialism with Chinese characteristics, which has entered a new era during the decisive stage in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and the period in which the time frames of the two centenary goals converge. From a macro perspective, an accurate census can give a full picture of the population size, structure and distribution, as well as the trend of the demographic change, providing support for formulating China's 14th Five-Year Plan.
An accurate census can also provide local governments with essential information which helps them supply and distribute elderly care and education facilities more reasonably. In this sense, a national population census concerns the interest of everyone. Door-to-door visits are an important exercise ahead of the national population census registration and a comprehensive test on the census' design and preparation work. Door-to-door visits started on Oct. 11 and will continue until Oct. 31. During the 20-day period, about 7 million staff will visit the homes of more than 400 million residents. The staff will introduce registration methods and ask questions about the basic demographic data of the households. For the first time, a population census can be conducted digitally this year. Census takers will offer appropriate assistance when residents choose to use mobile terminals such as cell phones to declare personal and family information. At present, door-to-door registration is being carried out in an orderly and steady manner.
As autumn turns to winter, the 7th nationwide population census being conducted, along with COVID-19 prevention and control, may present challenges to both census takers and residents. We've already developed an emergency plan in response to potential sporadic cases in some locations. The plan introduces registration methods for regions at different risk levels. In high-risk regions, data will be collected through phone calls and online questionnaires. In medium-risk regions, we will gather information by setting up outdoor registration stations and sending out online questionnaires. In low-risk regions, we will continue to make door-to-door household visits. In accordance with requirements for epidemic prevention and control, census takers on duty should be in good health and have normal body temperature. During household visits, they are required to wear masks, perform disinfection, and ensure personal protection for themselves and residents.
Out of concern for their privacy, some respondents hesitate to take part in door-to-door registration. On behalf of the national population census office, I would like to assure you that we will strengthen protection over residents' personal information throughout the census. Census offices at all levels and their staff are obliged to keep the obtained information private or bear the corresponding legal liability. Please feel secure about receiving phone calls and household visits. I hope the large program concerning 1.4 billion people can gain widespread support from the public. Thank you.
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