Is Washington misreading Beijing? Decline in US visits to China sparks concern

What happened: A retired US Marine colonel and security analyst said in a broadcast interview that China's economic rise is illusory and cited a figure of 600 million Chinese living on US$5 a day or less. Why it matters: Commenters accused him of using outdated figures and ignoring purchasing power differences, and some argued uneven development is common across countries. The episode is framed by the report as part of concern over a decline in US visits to China.

A retired US Marine colonel and security analyst said in a broadcast interview that China's economic rise is illusory and cited a figure of 600 million Chinese living on US$5 a day or less.

Commenters accused him of using outdated figures and ignoring purchasing power differences, and some argued uneven development is common across countries. The episode is framed by the report as part of concern over a decline in US visits to China.