Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
In 2007, a U.S. diplomatic cable leaked by WikiLeaks revealed a stunning admission from Li Keqiang (who would later become Premier). He reportedly told a U.S. ambassador that China's official GDP figures were "man-made" and "for reference only." He admitted he didn't look at the official GDP to gauge the economy; he looked at three physical indicators: Electricity, Rail Cargo, and Bank Loans.
Footage: Shutterstock
Inquiries: behindasian@gmail.com
Brought to you by the Behind Asian Team.
In 2007, a U.S. diplomatic cable leaked by WikiLeaks revealed a stunning admission from Li Keqiang (who would later become Premier). He reportedly told a U.S. ambassador that China's official GDP figures were "man-made" and "for reference only." He admitted he didn't look at the official GDP to gauge the economy; he looked at three physical indicators: Electricity, Rail Cargo, and Bank Loans.
Footage: Shutterstock
Inquiries: behindasian@gmail.com
Brought to you by the Behind Asian Team.
