For the first time in years, the National Bureau of Statistics last month disclosed China's Gini coefficient a key measure of inequality named after an Italian statistician.

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China's Gini coefficient measuring income distribution is also generating "widespread controversy and doubts" that it is too low and at odds with public perceptions, The Beijing News and People's Daily report.

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The Gini coefficient in China has worsened since reforms began in 1978, ADB noted.

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In January, China's National Bureau of Statistics released an official Gini coefficient reading for the first time in ten years.

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