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China Economist Gao Shanwen Dies After GDP Discrepancy Controversy

7/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

China economist Gao Shanwen died at age 55 on July 7, 2026 after battling cancer.
In late 2024 he told a Washington audience that China’s real GDP grew about 2 % versus the official 5 %, which led to an investigation and a speaking ban.
Gao earned a doctorate in 2005 under former PBOC governor Zhou Xiaochuan and served as chief economist at Everbright Securities (2003) and SDIC Securities (2007-2025).

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Story summary

China economist Gao Shanwen died at age 55 on July 7, 2026 after battling cancer.
In late 2024 he told a Washington audience that China’s real GDP grew about 2 % versus the official 5 %, which led to an investigation and a speaking ban.
Gao earned a doctorate in 2005 under former PBOC governor Zhou Xiaochuan and served as chief economist at Everbright Securities (2003) and SDIC Securities (2007-2025).