The reality of any situation is complex and multifaceted, with many factors at play. For instance, when China calculates its quarterly GDP numbers, it uses the so-called production account, which prioritizes the value-add of each industry and brushes aside end demand. As such, local officials can worry less about what households spend.

It is impossible to fabricate the entire reality of a situation, as there are too many variables and nuances to consider. If official statements and the actual reality diverge too significantly, it becomes increasingly difficult to ignore the discrepancy. The reality of any situation is always larger and more complex than one person or group can fully understand or control, however, It is important to consider all available information and remain open-minded. To not do so, to reject everything, is leaving yourself just as blind as those who freely accept it all.