China’s National Bureau of Statistics spokesperson Fu Linghui announced on Tuesday the bureau will cease disclosing its youth unemployment rate following several months of steep rises, citing the need for “ongoing improvements in statistical practices.” The unemployment rate among surveyed Chinese youth aged 16 to 24 rose to 21.3% in June, compared with 20.8% in May and 20.4% in April. The decision has fueled speculation about the genuine rationale behind Beijing’s sudden move.

This development comes on the back of the Central Bank of the People’s Republic of China’s slashingof two key lending rates aimed at invigorating an