Suspicious death of veteran economist who questioned China’s GDP data, demand for investigation raised

China Economist Death: Gao Shanwen, a well-known economist who openly questioned China’s economy and official GDP figures, has died at the age of 55. China’s government media has cited illness as the cause of his death, but after his death, many questions have arisen on social media and among international analysts and demands for an investigation have started.

Gao Shanwen, former chief economist at state-controlled investment group SDIC Securities, died due to illness, according to state-owned Shanghai Securities News. However, the report did not specify when he died. Gao was considered one of China’s most influential macro-economists.

Questions were raised on GDP figures

Gao Shanwen made international headlines in late 2024 when he claimed at an economic conference in Washington that China’s real GDP growth rate between 2021 and 2023 would have averaged around 2 percent, while the government was claiming a growth rate of around 5 percent.

He also said that it is possible that China’s GDP growth may have been overstated by about 10 percentage points. The GAO also pointed to discrepancies in data on consumption, employment, real estate and youth unemployment.

Ban on making public statements

According to reports, after these statements the Chinese government had indefinitely banned Gao Shanwen from speaking in public forums. There were also reports of his articles, videos and social media accounts being removed. He was later also fired from his job and his Hong Kong investment advisor license was terminated.

Questions raised on death

After Gao Shanwen’s death, many people on social media called him a ‘truth-telling economist’. Gave tribute while saying. Doubts were also raised in some posts about his death, but there has been no independent confirmation of these claims. On the other hand, some people with knowledge of the matter say that Gao had informed his close associates about his cancer in January 2025.

Debate on freedom of expression in China

Gao Shanwen’s case has come to light at a time when questions have been raised in China about the crackdown on economists, analysts and social media commentators who criticize government policies. In the year 2023, China had banned many analysts and popular bloggers for negative comments on the economic situation.

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Experts believe that there has been a long-running debate between China’s official economic reporting and independent analysis. However, there is currently no official or independent confirmation of any foul play or other reason for Gao Shanwen’s death, so claims in this regard should be viewed with caution.