Chinese GDP a case of 'fake it ‘til you make it'

China’s GDP figures might show that the world’s third-largest economy is coming out of its funk. But few economists will take Thursday’s report at face value. While their caution is wise, the Middle Kingdom probably is recovering – tentatively.

By John Foley, breakingviews.com
Published: 3:16PM BST 15 Jul 2009

The country’s leadership has set a target of 8pc growth for 2009. Most economists believe the magic number will be hit, as do 88pc of investors in China, according to an ING survey. Reported growth in the first quarter was 6.1pc, and a 7.1pc “printâ€